Find Academic Supervisors

ANDRES BASELGA FRAGAView profile

Professor

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Biogeography
• Community Ecology
• +7 more

Andrés Baselga Fraga is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology within the Faculty of Biology. He leads the BiBiCI research group (Biodiversity, Biogeography and Integrative Conservation) and is associated with the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS). His doctoral work (2002) focused on Chrysomelidae beetles in Galicia, supervised by Dr. Francisco Novoa Docet. Education: PhD in Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela (2002) Thesis: 'Study of the Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) of Galicia' Research Interests: His work centers on biodiversity patterns, biogeographical processes, and community ecology, with a focus on spatial scaling of phylogenetic diversity, climate change impacts, and dispersal limitation effects. He explores these through macroecological approaches, integrating genetic, taxonomic, and environmental data. His studies often address beetle communities, particularly Chrysomelidae, and their responses to environmental changes. Article Trends: Recent publications analyze biodiversity value through phylogenetic uniqueness, climate stability's role in species abundance-genetic diversity congruence, and dispersal mechanisms shaping community turnover. He also examines spatial and temporal shifts in montane ecosystems and develops novel statistical methods for assessing distance-decay relationships. Awards: No specific academic awards noted in the provided texts. Grants & Advising: No grant details or student advisees explicitly listed. His research has been supported through institutional affiliations like CRETUS. Labs/Teams: Leads the BiBiCI group and collaborates with CRETUS, focusing on interdisciplinary environmental research.

• Mammal Taxonomy
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Ecology
• +3 more

Andrew M. Baker is an Associate Professor in the School of Biology & Environmental Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from QUT and specializes in mammal taxonomy, conservation, and evolutionary ecology, with a focus on carnivorous marsupials. His research addresses threats to biodiversity from land-use changes, invasive species, and climate change. He leads the Baker Lab, investigating species like the Julia Creek Dunnart and Antechinus spp., using innovative methods such as barn owl pellet analysis and environmental DNA (eDNA) for detection. Current grants include a $1.1M project on the Julia Creek Dunnart and a $300K ABRS scholarship for Planigale taxonomy. He is a member of the Australian Mammal Society and the Genetics Society of Australia. His research spans taxonomy, ecology, evolution, and conservation, with over 100 publications. Recent work includes describing new species (e.g., Antechinus vandycki) and refining conservation strategies for threatened mammals. He collaborates internationally on projects like the IUCN Red List assessments for Antechinus species.

• Ancient DNA
• Molecular Ecology
• Conservation Genetics
• +5 more

Associate Professor Jeremy Austin is a leading evolutionary biologist at the University of Adelaide , affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and serving as Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) . His work bridges ancient DNA analysis, molecular ecology, and forensic biology to address critical questions in conservation genetics and human identification. PhD in Evolutionary Biology from University of Tasmania (1995) Jeremy's research focuses on ancient DNA techniques to study evolutionary histories of extinct and extant vertebrates, assess environmental change impacts, and develop genomic tools for forensic identification of degraded human remains. His work supports agencies like the Australian Defence Force and humanitarian organizations. Recent publications highlight applications of LAMP assays for invasive species detection, genome-wide hybridization capture in forensic profiling, and phylogeographic analysis of endangered species. His team's innovations in trace DNA recovery and environmental DNA (eDNA) have advanced biosecurity monitoring. Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (2011) As a Senior Lecturer , Jeremy supervises research students and collaborates across conservation, forensics, and evolutionary biology . He leads ACAD's efforts to integrate historical museum samples into modern genomic studies, with applications for wildlife management and human remains identification.

• Mammalogy
• Marsupial Biology
• Functional Morphology
• +4 more

Natalie Warburton is an Associate Professor in Zoology at Murdoch University, Australia, affiliated with the Harry Butler Institute and the School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, College of Environmental and Life Sciences. She holds a PhD in Zoology (University of Western Australia, 2004), a BSc(Hons) in Zoology (UWA, 1998), and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Murdoch University, 2002). She is also a Research Associate at the Western Australian Museum. Her research focuses on the functional morphology of marsupials, integrating anatomy, ecology, and evolution. Key interests include locomotion adaptations (digging, climbing, bounding), reproductive strategies, and the evolutionary drivers of musculoskeletal systems. Her work bridges extant and extinct species, particularly tree-kangaroos (e.g., Bohra , Congruus ) and marsupial moles. She has pioneered techniques for transferring anatomical insights from living species to fossil analysis, contributing to palaeontological reconstructions. Dr. Warburton has received awards such as the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (2015) and Senior Fellow status from Advance HE (2017). She actively engages in public science communication through podcasts (e.g., 'Aussie Wildlife Show', 'Palaeo Jam') and documentaries (e.g., ABC Catalyst's 'Megafauna'). Her research has produced over 50 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing skeletal anatomy, muscle function, and evolutionary adaptations. Current projects explore predator escape behaviors in marsupials and the functional morphology of extinct species. She collaborates across disciplines, integrating CT scanning, biomechanics, and comparative anatomy.

Rachel O'NeillView profile

Professor

• Genome Stability
• Retroelement Transcription
• Centromere Function
• +5 more

Rachel O'Neill serves as a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research bridges molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and computational genomics to investigate fundamental mechanisms of genome stability and evolution across diverse eukaryotic species. Her primary research interests focus on retroelement transcription, centromere function, chromosome evolution, and species-specific genomic adaptations. O'Neill's lab pioneers telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly methodologies using next-generation sequencing technologies, establishing non-traditional model organisms including marsupials, monotremes, birds, marine species, plants, and insects for comparative genome biology studies. Human Telomere-to-Telomere Consortium Primate T2T Consortium Gibbon T2T Consortium Earth Biogenomes Project Ruminant T2T Consortium Fly T2T Consortium Deep Ocean Genomes Project Antarctic Genomes Consortium Colossal Foundation UConn’s Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics program O'Neill's recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate leadership in large-scale genomics initiatives, with significant contributions to understanding centromere biology, sex chromosome evolution, and conservation genomics. Her work spans marsupial mole genomics, ruminant chromosome evolution, and epigenetic regulation of X-chromosome inactivation, reflecting her lab's broad impact across evolutionary biology, conservation, and fundamental genome science. Her laboratory actively trains students through cohort-based programs including the RaMP Cohort and Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics Program, securing substantial collaborative funding through multi-institutional consortia. The lab maintains strong infrastructure for advanced genome assembly and epigenomic analysis, with particular expertise in challenging repetitive regions and non-model organism genomics.

Diana FisherView profile

Associate Professor

• Conservation Ecology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Life History Evolution
• +5 more

Associate Professor Diana Fisher is an academic at The University of Queensland's School of the Environment and Academic Director at Hidden Vale Research Station. She is a leading expert in conservation ecology, evolutionary biology, and life history evolution of marsupials, particularly in Australia and Melanesia. Co-chair of the IUCN Marsupial and Monotreme Specialist Group Chair of the Australasian Mammal Taxonomy Consortium Her research focuses on extinction detectability, impacts of invasive predators, and adaptive strategies in mammals. She has secured significant ARC and international grants for projects on semelparity, fire ecology, and conservation genetics. Recent publications address continent-wide declines in mammals, fire response modeling, and genomic diversity conservation. Her work emphasizes practical solutions for threatened species recovery and taxonomy-driven policy. 2020 ESA Australian Ecology Research Award Editorial roles in Cambridge Prisms: Extinction and Methods in Ecology & Evolution As a supervisor, she mentors PhD candidates on topics including semelparity evolution, feral cat control, and urban wildlife conservation. Her lab focuses on multi-species recovery in fire-affected habitats and arid zones.

• Animal Welfare
• Behavioral Ecology
• Endocrinology
• +4 more

Meredith J Bashaw is a Professor of Psychology at Franklin & Marshall College, where she bridges animal behavior, endocrinology, and conservation. Her research focuses on animal welfare science, utilizing behavioral and hormonal analyses to improve the lives of non-domesticated animals in human care, including giraffes, primates, reptiles, and big cats. Collaborations span global zoos, wildlife centers, and undergraduate researchers. Education: Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (Georgia Institute of Technology), B.S. in Biology and Religion (Duke University) Her lab pioneers tools for non-invasive health monitoring, preference testing, and positive reinforcement training. Current projects address stress physiology, glucocorticoid dynamics, and human-animal interactions. Publications highlight advancements in zoo animal welfare and welfare assessment across species. Key innovations include reframing stress metrics, refining enrichment protocols, and integrating behavioral data into management decisions. She teaches courses like PSY300 Research Design & Statistics , PSY/WGS270 Hormones and Behavior , and CNX180 Animal Welfare , emphasizing experiential learning in primate training and reptile husbandry.

• Marsupial Ecology
• Animal Behavior
• Conservation Biology
• +5 more

Anne Goldizen is a Professor at the School of the Environment at the University of Queensland, Australia. With over 130 journal articles, 3 book chapters, 12 conference papers, and 1 data collection throughout her career, she has established herself as a leading researcher in animal behavior and conservation biology. Her work spans multiple continents and ecosystems, focusing particularly on marsupial ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and marine mammal behavior. Dr. Goldizen's research interests center on animal social behavior, particularly in marsupials like kangaroos and wallabies, but also extending to marine mammals and other species. Her work examines social structure, mating systems, vigilance behavior, dispersal patterns, and the impact of environmental factors on animal populations. She has made significant contributions to understanding the complex social dynamics of eastern grey kangaroos, the conservation challenges facing northern quolls, and the acoustic communication of humpback whales. Her research employs sophisticated methodologies including genetic analyses, long-term field observations, and experimental approaches to unravel the intricate relationships between animal behavior and ecological processes. Analysis of her most recent publications reveals a researcher with remarkable breadth and depth. Her work spans terrestrial and marine ecosystems, examining everything from marsupial social networks to coral reef ecology. A consistent theme throughout her career has been investigating how animals respond to environmental pressures, whether through behavioral plasticity, social organization, or physiological adaptations. Her research on kangaroo sociability, quoll conservation, and whale communication demonstrates both theoretical sophistication and practical relevance to wildlife management and conservation. Dr. Goldizen has collaborated extensively with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines. Her work often involves long-term field studies that require significant logistical coordination and team management. While specific grant information isn't provided in the available text, her extensive publication record suggests successful acquisition of competitive research funding. She has mentored numerous early-career researchers, as evidenced by her collaborations with junior authors on many publications.

Rachel AllavenaView profile

Professor

• Comparative and translational medicine
• Veterinary pathology
• Animal model validation
• +7 more

Rachel Allavena is a Professor and Deputy Head of School at the School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland . She specializes in veterinary pathology and comparative medicine , developing cancer immunotherapies using pet dogs with natural cancer as models for human oncology. Her work bridges veterinary and human medicine, focusing on translational research . She also leads forensic pathology investigations for Racing Queensland , Queensland Police , and RSPCA Queensland , advocating for animal cruelty prevention . PhD in Comparative Medicine (Cornell University) Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology (University of Guelph) Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Honours (University of Queensland) Her research spans comparative oncology (including canine brain cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma ), koala conservation (co-developer of KoalaBASE database), and envenomation studies . She has trained ACVP board-certified pathologists and developed drug safety testing protocols in the UK pharmaceutical sector. Her immunotherapy trials have achieved 20% cure rates in terminal canine cancer patients. 2015 - Faculty of Science Teaching Excellence Award 2021 - UQ Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning As a media expert , she has featured in international outlets and delivered a TEDx talk on canine cancer therapy. She actively supervises PhD/MPhil students in projects like Canine Osteosarcoma Immunotherapy and Feline GI Lymphomas . Her team explores biometallic implants and forensic pathology applications.

• Wildlife and habitat management
• Terrestrial ecology
• Conservation and biodiversity
• +7 more

Dr Sarah Munks is a Research Fellow in the Department of Zoology at the University of Tasmania, with an adjunct role in Biological Sciences (2017-2024). Her career spans over 30 years in research and natural resource management, focusing on wildlife and habitat conservation. Field of Expertise: Wildlife and habitat management, Terrestrial ecology, Conservation and biodiversity Education: PhD in Zoology (University of Tasmania, 1986-1990), BSc (Hons) in Zoology (UCNW, 1981-1983) Dr Munks has led and co-supervised numerous projects on threatened species, freshwater habitats, and forest fauna. Her work bridges ecological research with policy implementation in agricultural and forestry sectors. Her funded research spans 2004-2010, covering topics like bat ecology, platypus energetics, and possum physiology. She has co-supervised 21 higher-degree students and delivered annual lectures to third-year Tasmanian Fauna students (2000-2019). She serves as a referee for scientific journals and sub-editor for Australian Forestry , affiliated with the CRC for Forestry and Centre for Forest Value. Her supervision includes 9 doctoral and master's students in conservation, ecology, and wildlife management.

• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Immunopathology
• Conservation Biology
• +5 more

Professor Damien Higgins is a leading academic at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science within The University of Sydney , specializing in Pathobiology and Wildlife Health . His research integrates wildlife disease ecology , immunopathology , and conservation biology to address threats from habitat fragmentation and emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, particularly koalas. BVSc, M Vet Stud (Wild Animal Medicine & Husbandry), PhD Director of the Koala Health Hub (since 2014) Director of Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services Research Interests encompass disease ecology in fragmented habitats, koala immunogenetics , retroviral infections , and environmental toxicology of eucalyptus toxins. Key projects include Chlamydia pecorum dynamics, Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) impacts on immunity, and hookworm interactions in Australian sea lions. Scientific Awards : 2006 Barry Munday Recognition Award (Wildlife Disease Association) Teaching includes courses on general pathology , wildlife disease ecology , and threatened species management . He supervises PhD and Research Masters students and leads collaborations with 200+ stakeholders in government, academia, and conservation groups.

Suzana TkalcicView profile

Associate Professor

• Veterinary Pathology
• Marine Mammal Medicine
• One Health
• +2 more

Dr. Suzana Tkalcic is a dually-appointed Associate Professor at Western University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor at San Diego State University's School of Public Health. Her primary appointment at Western University involves teaching pathology across DVM curricula and directing clinical rotations, while her SDSU affiliation focuses on environmental health aspects of zoonotic diseases. She earned her DVM from the University of Zagreb and PhD in Veterinary Pathology from the University of Georgia. Her research spans three interconnected domains: marine mammal pathology (particularly California sea lion diseases), comparative One Health approaches to zoonotic infections, and pedagogical innovations in veterinary education. She maintains active collaborations with the Marine Mammal Care Center and Los Angeles Zoo, with field studies extending to Adriatic aquaculture systems. Honors include four consecutive Chancellor's Research Awards (1991-1994), Phi Zeta Honor Society membership, the 2011 Ljudevit Jurak Award, and the 2017 Croatian Women of Influence Award for Science. She established the annual Dr. Suzana Tkalcic One Health Award for comparative medicine research. Dr. Tkalcic has secured multiple grants including USDA funding for coronavirus resistance studies ($375,000) and NATO security proposals. She mentors doctoral candidates internationally and has advised 21+ veterinary students on research projects ranging from nasal mite prevalence to volcanic gastric ulcers in marine mammals. She co-founded the Binational One Health Initiative along the California-Baja border and serves on the Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences. Her laboratory coordinates specimen analysis for multiple marine rehabilitation centers along the Pacific Coast.

Michael O'NeillView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Genomic Imprinting
• Sex Chromosome Biology
• +3 more

Michael O'Neill is an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut , affiliated with the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Genetics and Genomics . His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders and sex chromosome biology, particularly the role of X-linked imprinted genes in transgenerational effects and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). PhD: University of Texas at Austin Post-doctoral study: University of Melbourne, Princeton University Research highlights include: Elucidating the X Chromosome Imprinting Hypothesis through Turner Syndrome mouse models Discovering the role of Xlr3 in MSCI and its transgenerational consequences Investigating epigenetic transmission across generations Characterizing retroelement dynamics in speciation and genome evolution His recent publications emphasize X-linked gene regulation , retrotransposon activity , and transgenerational epigenetic effects across mammals, fish, and oceanic species. Contact: michael.oneill@uconn.edu | Phone: 860-486-6856

Robbie WilsonView profile

Professor

• Animal performance
• Behavioral ecology
• Physiological ecology
• +7 more

Professor Robbie Wilson is a Professor at the School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, and serves as Academic Director of the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre and Director of Partnerships for the Hidden Vale Research Station. His research program spans both ecological and sports science domains, focusing on animal performance across diverse model systems including freshwater fish, crayfish, reptiles, marsupials, and humans. Dr. Wilson's research examines the mechanistic basis of physical performance and its implications for survival and reproductive success. He investigates how organisms respond to environmental variation such as seasonal or long-term temperature changes, and the costs of these responses to other traits. His work explores interactions between behavioral, physiological, and morphological traits to understand how animal performance is optimized, with applications to conservation practices in both urban and wild habitats. Current projects include studying the importance of performance to male mating success in northern quolls, the relative importance of athleticism versus skill in soccer players, and investigating when and why animals engage in deceptive behaviors. Analysis of Professor Wilson's recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach bridging wildlife conservation and sports science. His work on northern quolls focuses on habitat quality, survival probability, and semelparity, while his sports science research develops protocols for talent identification in soccer using small-sided games and examines the biomechanics of performance. This dual focus demonstrates how principles of animal performance can be applied across evolutionary and human contexts. Current funding through 2026 for manganese exposure effects on children's motor control Multiple ARC Discovery and Linkage Projects Collaborations with Aboriginal communities on Groote Eylandt International partnerships with FA Selangor in Malaysia Professor Wilson has successfully supervised numerous PhD students across diverse topics including koala movement behavior, predator-prey interactions, wildlife sociality, and talent identification in soccer. His extensive grant history demonstrates significant research impact, with current funding through 2026 for projects examining manganese exposure effects on children's motor control, bilby conservation, and koala mortality risk prediction. Leading the Performance Lab at UQ, Professor Wilson and his team investigate performance-related phenomena across the animal kingdom and sporting world. Their field work on Groote Eylandt has yielded important insights into northern quoll ecology, while their soccer research collaborations with FA Selangor in Malaysia demonstrate the global reach of their work.

• Conservation Biology
• Reproductive Biology
• Cryobiology
• +4 more

Associate Professor John Clulow is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Environmental and Life Sciences , University of Newcastle. His career spans Conservation Biology and Reproductive Biology, with a focus on amphibian conservation and male reproductive physiology. He has contributed extensively to Amphibian sperm cryopreservation and fluid transport in reproductive ducts , collaborating with Assoc Prof M Mahony and Assoc Prof RC Jones. Education: PhD, University of Newcastle; Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science (Honours) Research expertise includes: Amphibian conservation technologies Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos Chytrid fungal disease mitigation Comparative reproductive physiology Efferent duct fluid reabsorption mechanisms His 2021-2025 publications highlight innovations in: Thermal imaging drones for wildlife monitoring Salinity manipulation against chytrid Wetland design for disease management Cryoprotectant optimization Genetic resource allocation models Scientific Award: European Academy of Andrology Prize (1997) Teaching: Forensic biology, biotechnology commercialization, and zoology Administration: Program convenor for BSc (Forensics); manager of amphibian holding facilities