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Thomas HovestadtView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolution of dispersal
• Movement rules
• Life history evolution
• +3 more

PD Dr. Thomas Hovestadt is a faculty member at the University of Würzburg where he has led the Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology Group (TEE) since 2015. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology with emphasis on dispersal evolution, life history strategies, and host-parasite systems. Based at the university's Biocenter, he maintains active collaborations across European institutions including the University of Ghent where he served as Guest Professor from 2013-2015. His academic credentials include: Diploma in Biology from University of Tübingen (1987) PhD in Biology from University of Würzburg (1997) Habilitation at University of Würzburg (2006) Hovestadt's research program investigates how organisms evolve movement rules and resource allocation strategies in fragmented landscapes. His work integrates theoretical modeling with empirical data to examine evolutionary dynamics in spatially structured populations, particularly focusing on dispersal polymorphisms, foraging optimization, and the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances like light pollution and habitat fragmentation. Statistical approaches underpin his analysis of niche evolution and population viability. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals consistent focus on dispersal ecology across diverse taxa including insects and moths. Key themes include landscape heterogeneity effects on biodiversity, anthropogenic impacts (light pollution, climate change), and theoretical modeling of metapopulation dynamics. His work frequently employs simulation approaches and field-based validation, with growing emphasis on conservation applications for fragmented ecosystems. No scientific awards are documented in the available information. As head of the TEE group, Hovestadt oversees research mentoring and project coordination. His current funding includes SFB 1047: Insect timing, DFG HO2051/3, and the MacMan collaborative project, indicating sustained support from the German Research Foundation for theoretical ecology research. The Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology Group operates from the University of Würzburg's Biocenter, maintaining connections to Field Station Fabrikschleichach and UFZ Leipzig. The group specializes in developing analytical frameworks for evolutionary processes in spatially complex environments, with particular expertise in movement ecology and population dynamics modeling.

Dmitry Nikolaevich LapshinView profile

Researcher

• Mosquito Bioacoustics
• Acoustic Orientation of Nocturnal Lepidoptera
• Insect Counter-strategies to Bat Echolocation
• +3 more

Dmitry Nikolaevich Lapshin is a Doctor of Biological Sciences and Leading Researcher at the Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing, Institute for Information Transmission Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IITP RAS). His career spans institutions like Moscow State University's Biological Faculty (1980-1994) and the Moscow Institute of Radio Engineering Equipment (pre-1980). As a protégé of Prof. Alexey Byzov, Lapshin's work bridges sensory physiology, bioacoustics, and neuroethology. Education : Bauman Moscow State Technical University (1976) His research focuses on mosquito bioacoustics and nocturnal lepidopteran echolocation strategies , revealing novel mechanisms like frequency-tuned auditory neurons in mosquitoes and acoustic counter-strategies against bats. Publications in Insects , Sensory Systems , and Journal of Experimental Biology demonstrate interdisciplinary impact. Articles show progressive exploration of insect auditory systems across 15 years. Lapshin has received multiple RFBR grants (2006-2014) and international support from Volkswagen Stiftung (1997). His work fundamentally reshaped understanding of insect auditory processing through electrophysiological and behavioral experiments. Collaborations with D.D. Vorontsov and R.D. Zhantiev highlight long-term scientific partnerships. Technical Expertise : Acoustic signal processing in insects Neural mechanisms of sound detection Frequency tuning analysis Flight simulation methodologies Echolocation system modeling Sensory-motor integration

Shannon StephensView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroendocrinology
• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Neuroscience
• +3 more

Shannon Stephens, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Albany Medical College in the Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics department. Her research focuses on neuroendocrinology, reproductive biology, and genetic regulation of brain-reproduction interactions . Emory University PhD (2013), MA (2008), and Franklin & Marshall BA (2003) NIH-funded research on kisspeptin neurons in the amygdala and other extrahypothalamic regions Dr. Stephens investigates how estrogen receptor α regulates Kiss1 expression during puberty and fertility. Her work has implications for infertility treatment through neuronal tract tracing , transgenic mouse models , and immunohistochemistry approaches. Recent publications analyze kisspeptin's role in stress-induced reproductive suppression , estrogen receptor signaling , and extrahypothalamic reproductive control . Key techniques include RNA sequencing , stereotaxic injections , and in vivo fertility assessments . Grants include NIH awards T32 HD007203 , F32 HD088060 , and U54 HD028934 . She has advised multiple studies on sex steroid signaling and neuroendocrine gene regulation in mice.

John TowerView profile

Professor

• Aging
• Development Biology
• DNA replication
• +9 more

John Tower is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular genetics of aging in Drosophila melanogaster, with particular interest in gene expression changes during aging, oxidative stress responses, and sex-specific differences in aging processes. Dr. Tower received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1988. He completed postdoctoral training at The Carnegie Institution of Washington, Department of Embryology in Baltimore from 1988 to 1991. His academic career at USC began in 1991 as an Assistant Professor, progressing to Associate Professor in 1999, and to his current position as Professor in 2010. Dr. Tower's research examines how gene expression changes during normal aging, with a focus on heat shock protein genes (Hsp22 and Hsp70), innate immune response genes, and mitochondrial function. His work has identified key roles for p53, sexual differentiation, and steroid hormones in regulating life span. He investigates how post-mitotic cells maintain function during aging and how stem cell populations are maintained in the ovary, with particular interest in the trade-offs between reproduction and longevity. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the effects of mifepristone (RU486) on life span, the role of sex-specific hormones in aging, and the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in aging processes. His research often employs Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to understand fundamental aging mechanisms that may be conserved across species. Dr. Tower's laboratory, the Tower Lab, develops and utilizes advanced techniques including transgenic reporter constructs, micro-array analyses, RNAseq, and 3D fluorescence video tracking to study aging processes in freely moving flies.

• Behavioural Ecology
• Animal Personality
• Genetics of Behavior
• +4 more

Dr. Penelope Watt serves as a Senior Lecturer in Zoology within the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield, where she maintains an active research profile and significant teaching responsibilities. Her academic home is anchored in the Alfred Denny Building on Western Bank, Sheffield, with her primary email p.j.watt@sheffield.ac.uk serving as the key contact point for collaborations and student inquiries. Her research program centers on behavioural ecology with dual emphases: fish models (particularly guppies and zebrafish) investigating personality traits, stress physiology, and transgenerational epigenetic mechanisms; and earthworm systems examining behaviour, distribution, and health implications for soil quality improvement in regenerative agriculture. This work bridges fundamental questions in evolutionary biology with applied agricultural sustainability challenges, consistently exploring how environmental stressors manifest across generations through potential epigenetic pathways. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals a strategic evolution from foundational studies on fish mating behaviours and personality heritability toward increasingly complex investigations of stress transmission mechanisms and agricultural applications. Recent work prominently features collaborative, interdisciplinary projects integrating soil science, epigenetics, and conservation biology, with earthworm biodiversity and regenerative farming practices becoming central themes alongside continued zebrafish stress-response research. Her scientific recognition includes: APS Teacher of the Year (2010) Dr. Watt supervises a robust cohort of graduate researchers, currently mentoring 6 advanced students (including PhD candidates Joseph Llanos on earthworm dynamics and Wafa Abudayah on zebrafish anxiety traits) while having successfully guided 8 PhD graduates and over 10 Master's students through completion. Her research program is supported by significant external funding, most notably as co-investigator on the £249,704 EpiStressNet grant (ESRC/BBSRC, 2015) investigating epigenetic embedding of social stress responses through biosocial systems approaches. Her research group operates at the intersection of laboratory-based behavioural assays and field studies, particularly in regenerative agriculture contexts, with strong connections to soil science initiatives and collaborative networks examining stress phenotypes across taxa.

Darrh BullockView profile

Professor

• Beef Genetics
• Animal Breeding
• Extension Education
• +3 more

Darrh Bullock is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. His work focuses on beef cattle genetics, breeding management, and extension education, with leadership roles in state and national agricultural programs. Ph.D., Animal Breeding, University of Georgia (1992) M.S., Animal Breeding, Auburn University (1988) B.S., Animal and Dairy Sciences, Auburn University (1984) Dr. Bullock leads programs in Beef Systems Analysis , Genetic Improvement , and Integrated Resource Management . His research emphasizes crossbreeding systems, EPD utilization, and developing decision-support tools like Match-a-Yak to enhance genetic diversity and profitability in commercial beef operations. Recent publications (2015-2024) span genetic principles , nutritional supplementation , and reproductive technologies . Key topics include artificial insemination protocols, mineral nutrition for yaks, and inbreeding mitigation strategies, reflecting his commitment to practical, data-driven solutions for beef producers. 2018 Fellow, American Society of Animal Sciences 2017 Animal Industry Service Award, ASAS 2015 Extension Award, ASAS Multiple state-level extension excellence awards He has secured over $2.9 million in grants since 2012, primarily through KY Beef Network and USDA-NIFA sub-awards, to develop programs such as the Master Cattleman Program , Beef Quality and Care Assurance , and i-Cow Management Portal . Collaborations span universities, extension specialists, and industry stakeholders.

Vlajnić LeaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Experimental Evolution
• Mito-nuclear Interactions
• Life History Evolution
• +3 more

Lea Vlajnić is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, specializing in genetics and evolutionary biology. Her work focuses on experimental evolution, mito-nuclear interactions, and life history trait dynamics in seed beetles (Acanthoscelides obtectus). Doctoral studies (2019–): Evolutionary Biology, University of Belgrade Master's studies (2018–2019): Applied Genetics, University of Belgrade Undergraduate studies (2014–2018): Molecular Biology and Physiology, University of Belgrade Her research utilizes laboratory evolution experiments to study host shifts, pesticide resistance, and sex-specific fertility effects. She investigates how mitochondrial mutations and environmental stressors shape population dynamics and morphological variation. Recent publications highlight her work on the Trojan Female Technique (TFT) for pest biocontrol, mito-nuclear incompatibilities, and transgenerational pesticide effects. Keywords include evolutionary genetics, ecological adaptation, and population management.

• Health systems science
• Health informatics
• Medical education
• +3 more

Samuel J. Black, MD, PhD, serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Medicine at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Board-certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he practices Hospital Medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia and maintains active membership in the American College of Physicians. His academic foundation includes dual MD and PhD degrees from Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine, followed by Internal Medicine residency training at Temple University Hospital. This institutional continuity underscores his deep integration within Temple's academic medical ecosystem. Dr. Black's research centers on Health systems science and Health informatics , driving innovations in quality improvement, evidence-based medicine, and high-value care delivery. His clinical work directly informs medical education initiatives, creating synergistic pathways between patient care optimization and physician training. Publication analysis reveals an evolving trajectory from foundational molecular biology (2012-2019) toward current health systems focus. While early work explored DNA repair mechanisms and immune deficiencies, his recent scholarship aligns with departmental priorities in healthcare delivery science, reflecting a strategic pivot toward clinically impactful systems research. At Temple University Hospital's Main Campus (3401 N. Broad Street), he bridges clinical practice with academic medicine, though specific laboratory teams or grant-funded projects remain undocumented in available sources.

Gillian BrownView profile

Professor

• Sex/Gender Differences
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Human Behavior
• +3 more

Gillian Brown is a Professor at the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews, where she has progressed from Lecturer to Reader and ultimately to Professor. She is also the Co-Founder of the Centre for Research into Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and is affiliated with both the Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences and the Centre for Social Learning & Cognitive Evolution. Professor Brown received her education at the University of Cambridge, where she earned both her undergraduate degree (BA Hons in Natural Sciences with a focus on Zoology) and her PhD. Before joining St Andrews, she completed a postdoctoral position at Cambridge. Her research program focuses on understanding sex/gender differences and similarities in behavior and cognition from evolutionary perspectives. Professor Brown investigates how evolutionary theory can inform our understanding of human behavior, with particular attention to human mating strategies, the 'gender equality paradox,' and cultural evolutionary approaches. Her work often bridges biological and socio-cultural factors, examining how both influence behavioral development. She has conducted studies ranging from animal models (particularly rat studies examining hormonal influences on behavior) to direct human studies on gender differences in cognitive tasks, confidence, and social learning. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on gender differences in personality across cultures, the imposter phenomenon in academic settings, and evolutionary perspectives on human behavior. There's a clear trajectory in her work from animal models to human studies while maintaining an evolutionary framework throughout, with her third edition of 'Sense and Nonsense: Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Behaviour' synthesizing these approaches. Professor Brown actively supervises postgraduate students and undergraduate research interns, welcoming prospective students to contact her about potential projects. Her research has been funded by organizations including the Carnegie Trust and the Wellcome Trust, supporting work on sex differences in brain and behavior. She is actively involved in the academic community, having participated in the European Human Behaviour & Evolution Society, the Primate Society of Great Britain, and organized conferences including the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour conference in 2011. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality.

Emilie PondevilleView profile

Researcher

• Mosquito Biology
• Arbovirus Transmission
• Insect Immunology
• +4 more

Dr. Emilie Pondeville is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Virus Research , part of the University of Glasgow . Her work focuses on mosquito biology and physiology, particularly the reproductive and immune mechanisms that influence arbovirus transmission. Her research explores molecular interactions in mosquito-arbovirus systems, including tissue-specific antiviral strategies, defense pathway crosstalk, and vertical transmission of viruses. She utilizes modern transgenic facilities to manipulate mosquito gene functions. Grants from the Medical Research Foundation , UK Research and Innovation , BBSRC , and European Commission support her work on mosquito-borne disease risks under climate change and control strategies. Her publications span virology, entomology, and molecular biology, with recent articles analyzing NSm protein roles , sugar-feeding immunity , salivary vascular effects , and genetic tools in Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. Her group investigates gene expression regulation , transgenic mosquito development , and vector competence to inform control programs for diseases like malaria and dengue.

Beau AlwardView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroendocrinology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Molecular Endocrinology
• +2 more

Beau Alward is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles. His research focuses on the neuroendocrine regulation of social behaviors in cichlid fish, particularly examining steroid hormone mechanisms through molecular genetics and behavioral paradigms. Undergraduate: Biology, American River Community College (2005-2007) B.S., Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, UC Davis (2007-2009) M.A. and Ph.D., Psychological & Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University (2011-2015) Postdoctoral Research, Stanford University The Alward Lab investigates how steroid hormones generate social behaviors in Astatotilapia burtoni cichlids. They employ approaches spanning molecular genetics, transcriptomics, and neurobiology to uncover hormonal control mechanisms in both sexes. Recent work examines androgen receptor subtypes, aggression regulation, and mate choice dynamics. The lab combines behavioral observations with genetic and neuroendocrinological analyses to reveal fundamental principles of hormone-behavior interactions. Arnold Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow Beau Alward's research has been supported by grants and collaborations, with students including Valerie Tornini and Stephanie Leal contributing to publications on cichlid social dominance and hormonal signaling.

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Sexual Selection
• Human Attractiveness
• +3 more

Dr. Barnaby Dixson is an Honorary Senior Fellow at the School of Psychology, The University of Queensland. His research focuses on evolutionary psychology, sexual selection, and human behavior, with expertise in facial and bodily attractiveness, mate preferences, and cross-cultural variations in social perceptions. He employs diverse methodologies including cross-national surveys, experimental paradigms, and psychometric validation. Dixson's work investigates how physical traits (e.g., facial hair, body morphology) influence social judgments of dominance, trustworthiness, and attractiveness. Key themes include the evolutionary basis of mate choice, hormonal influences on perception, and cultural differences in beauty standards. His research integrates psychology, anthropology, and biology to understand universal versus culture-specific aspects of human behavior. Recent publications emphasize large-scale cross-cultural collaborations, neurocognitive responses to facial cues, and methodological rigor in scale validation. His studies consistently explore the adaptive significance of physical characteristics in social contexts. Dixson contributes to understanding paternal mental health dynamics, violence prevention in families, and health behaviors in chronic illness, demonstrating applied dimensions of his evolutionary framework.

Kirsten OinonenView profile

Associate Professor

• Behavioural Endocrinology
• Women's Health
• Mate Selection
• +6 more

Dr. Kirsten Oinonen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University. Her research focuses on the intersection of behavioral endocrinology, women's health, and evolutionary psychology, with particular attention to hormonal influences on perception, emotion, and cognition across the lifespan. Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology, Lakehead University (2003) Pre-Doctoral Residency, Neuropsychology/Rehabilitation & Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba (2002) Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, Lakehead University (1997) Bachelor of Science (Honours), Psychology, Queen’s University (1995) Her research program spans areas including psychopharmacology, clinical neuropsychology, preconception health, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). She investigates hormonal contraceptive side effects, women’s sexuality, and health conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), while emphasizing gender, sex, and power dynamics in her work. Dr. Oinonen contributed to a 2020 publication in the Canadian Journal of Public Health related to Ontario-based research. She maintains active professional profiles on ResearchGate, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and supervises students in her laboratory.

• Biotremology
• Insect Behavior
• Agricultural Entomology
• +4 more

Rachele Nieri is a Researcher (RTD-A) at the Department of Mathematics, University of Trento, with additional affiliation at the Agriculture, Food and Environment Center (C3A). Her work bridges mathematical approaches with agricultural entomology, focusing on vibrational communication in insects for sustainable pest management solutions. She holds the National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor in Plant Pathology and Entomology. Education: 2017: PhD in Ethology and Ecology, University of Florence (thesis: "Insect vibrational communication: description, decoding, and manipulation") 2012: Master's Degree in Biology (animal behavior curriculum), University of Florence (110/110 with honors) 2010: Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, University of Florence (110/110 with honors) Rachele Nieri's research centers on biotremology - the study of vibrational communication in animals - and its applications in agriculture. Her work examines how substrate-borne vibrations influence insect behavior, particularly in pest species, with the goal of developing non-chemical pest management strategies. She investigates vibrational mating disruption techniques for controlling vineyard pests like Scaphoideus titanus and has expanded her research to include other agricultural pests including Drosophila suzukii and Halyomorpha halys. Her publication record shows a clear trend toward practical applications of biotremology in agriculture, with increasing focus on multi-modal pest control approaches that combine vibrational signals with chemical cues. The research spans fundamental studies of vibrational communication mechanisms to field applications in vineyards and other agricultural settings. Scientific Awards: 2024: Presentation Awards for Young Scientists (PAYS) and Women Scientists (PAWS) at ICE2024Kyoto 2018: Professional Development Award by OSU Postdoctoral Association ($1,000) 2013: FameLab Trento science communication competition winner (€500) 2012: PhD scholarship from Edmund Mach Foundation (€80,000) Nieri has received multiple travel awards from scientific societies to attend international conferences. Her teaching includes courses on insect communication and pest management at both University of Trento and Oregon State University. She has organized symposia on behavior manipulation for pest control and serves as chair for biotremology conference sessions. Her research has practical implications for sustainable agriculture, with several field-tested vibrational pest control techniques developed through her work. Nieri's research is conducted through collaborations with the Center for Agriculture Food Environment (C3A) at University of Trento, where she has established a research focus on applied biotremology. Her work bridges entomology, mechanical engineering, and agricultural science, creating innovative approaches to pest management that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

Christine W. MillerView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Insect Behavior
• Sexual Selection
• +4 more

Dr. Christine W. Miller is a Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida, where she leads research in evolutionary ecology and insect behavior. Her work focuses on sexual selection dynamics, animal weapon evolution, and plant-insect interactions. She teaches courses including ENY 3005 Principles of Entomology and specialized topics in evolutionary biology. Miller's research program examines: Evolution of sexually-selected traits in insects Behavioral ecology of mating systems Host plant-insect coevolution Life history trade-offs Phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental variation Her recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on weapon evolution in leaf-footed bugs, sexual conflict dynamics, and predator-prey interactions, with increasing emphasis on multi-component trait evolution. Honors include the UF Large Grant Leadership Award (Golden Gator) recognizing her research program development. She mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in evolutionary ecology projects, with NSF-supported work continuing through 2026. Miller leads the Biotic Interactions Group and conducts public engagement through the Florida Natural History Museum. She will join the University of Cambridge as Professor of Biotic Interactions in October 2024 while maintaining UF collaborations.