Josefine Friederike Weiß is a researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) , affiliated with the Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems department in Potsdam, Germany. Her work focuses on marine sedimentary ancient DNA to investigate carbon dynamics between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. She explores how ancient genetic material preserved in sediments reveals historical climate and ecological interactions. Her research integrates advanced molecular techniques such as metabarcoding and sedimentary DNA analysis to trace land-plant carbon sources, phytoplankton blooms, and biogeochemical processes in polar regions. Key projects include studying Phaeocystis blooms' role in carbon sequestration and Arctic sub-mesoscale filament dynamics. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining high-resolution oceanographic measurements with paleoenvironmental reconstructions. While no explicit awards are listed, her contributions bridge genetics, geology, and climate science in polar environments. Josefine collaborates on long-term observational systems like the LTER Observatory HAUSGARTEN and participates in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Her work supports understanding climate change impacts on marine and terrestrial carbon cycles.
Peter Mcintyre serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds the Dwight Webster Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellowship and is affiliated with the Institute for African Development as a Core Faculty member and the Southeast Asia Program as a Faculty Associate. His educational background includes a B.A. in Biology from Harvard University (1998) and a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University (2006). Mcintyre is an aquatic conservation ecologist whose research focuses on developing management approaches that balance human interests with protecting biodiversity. His work spans multiple continents, with field studies conducted in New York, the Great Lakes, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Hawaii. His academic interests encompass Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Science, Community Ecology and Population Biology, Evolutionary Patterns and Processes, Organismal Biology, and Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Key research themes include fisheries, food webs, climate change, ecological stoichiometry, global biodiversity, conservation planning, river networks, and life history and migration. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on freshwater ecosystem conservation, with particular attention to global patterns of biodiversity, climate change impacts on aquatic systems, fisheries management, and conservation planning. His work increasingly integrates molecular techniques like eDNA with traditional ecological methods, while maintaining a strong emphasis on practical conservation applications across diverse global contexts from the Amazon to Hawaiian streams. Dwight Webster Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow Mcintyre leads the McIntyre Lab, which addresses ecology and conservation in rivers and lakes worldwide, with special focus on the organism-ecosystem interface. His lab studies how animals affect ecosystem productivity and nutrient dynamics, with particular emphasis on freshwater fisheries in the Adirondack Mountains and developing nations. His students and postdocs have received significant recognition including NSERC graduate research fellowships and Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants. The lab's work spans multiple major research projects including the Adirondack Fisheries Research Program, Lake Tanganyika Ecosystem Project, Great Lakes connectivity initiatives, and conservation of Native Stream Gobies in the Hawaiian Archipelago. The McIntyre Lab maintains active research sites across the globe, from the Adirondacks to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, with particular strength in studying the connections between organismal biology and ecosystem processes in freshwater environments. Their work consistently bridges fundamental ecological questions with practical conservation applications, making significant contributions to both scientific understanding and on-the-ground management of freshwater resources.
Dr. Jan Gogarten is a researcher at the University of Greifswald within the Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation department. Their work focuses on primate-associated organism communities, including bacterial microbiomes, eukaryotic parasites, and pathogen-carrying flies, investigating how these communities shape primate health and conservation. Key collaborations with Helmholtz Institute for One Health , Robert Koch Institute , and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Research spans zoonotic pathogen detection , molecular method development for genomic data generation, and climate change impacts on primate populations . Methodologies include longitudinal studies in Taï National Park and Kibale National Park, fly-derived DNA for biodiversity monitoring, and comparative datasets on sociality costs/benefits.
David Andow is Professor and Department Head of the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He previously served as Distinguished McKnight University Professor in Entomology at the University of Minnesota for 38 years and conducted extensive research in Brazil with Embrapa. His work focuses on insect population ecology , ecological risk assessment , and science policy related to genetically engineered organisms. PhD in Ecology from Cornell University BSc in Biology (magna cum laude) from Brown University Postdoctoral work at Cornell University and Japan's National Institute of Agro-environmental Sciences His research has tracked insect resistance management across decades, showing consistent interest in Bt crops and transgenic plant risks . Recent work emphasizes molecular gut content analysis for understanding predator-prey relationships and insect dispersal patterns in agricultural ecosystems. Major awards include: OECD Fellow McMaster Fellow (Australia) JSPS Fellow (Japan), twice Rockefeller Foundation Fellow Entomological Society of America Fellow With over 250 invited presentations and extensive publications, Dr. Andow remains a leading voice in genetic engineering risk assessment and ecological policy .
Brian Fisher is a Curator of Entomology and Patterson Scholar at the California Academy of Sciences. His work focuses on ant biodiversity in Africa and Madagascar, integrating taxonomy, evolution, and conservation. Fisher leads initiatives like Insects and People of the Southwest Indian Ocean (IPSIO) , which promotes edible insect farming to address malnutrition and protect habitats. His research emphasizes leveraging ants as ecological indicators and developing tools for biodiversity monitoring. Education: Earned a biology degree from the University of Iowa, with early fieldwork in Panama and Costa Rica. Transitioned to entomology during studies at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Research Interests: Ant diversity and evolution, Madagascar’s ecosystems, and applying insect farming to solve food insecurity. Projects include the Breakfast Before Conservation initiative, which scales cricket farming to reduce lemur hunting and deforestation. Collaborations: Partnerships with Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Entomo Farms, and international scientists. Spearheads genomic and metabarcoding projects to track insect biodiversity across 50 Malagasy sites. Labs/Teams: Fisher Lab at the California Academy of Sciences and Madagascar-based research networks. Develops open-access resources like AntWeb and AntCat for global ant documentation.
Dr. Diana Varela is a Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Advising at the University of Victoria, jointly affiliated with the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences and the Department of Biology. Her research program investigates marine primary productivity and nutrient cycling, with a focus on phytoplankton physiology and ecological responses to environmental changes in diverse oceanic regions. She holds a BSc from Universidad Nacional del Sur (Argentina), an MA from Boston University, and a PhD from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Varela's research examines phytoplankton utilization of nitrogen, silicon, and carbon in the context of climate change, particularly in polar ecosystems. Her work combines laboratory experiments with oceanographic fieldwork to understand biogeochemical cycles and diatom responses to stressors like ocean acidification and warming. Her publications reveal consistent themes in climate impacts on marine productivity, with recent work focusing on Arctic and Antarctic phytoplankton dynamics, silicon isotopic fractionation, and innovative methodologies for studying microbial communities. The research demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches spanning biogeochemistry, ecophysiology, and molecular ecology. Dr. Varela leads the Varela Lab, which provides research opportunities for graduate students and collaborators. Her team conducts field campaigns in challenging environments including Antarctic research stations.
Dr. Tim Patterson is a Professor of Environmental Geology at Carleton University's Department of Earth Sciences within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on paleoclimatology, limnology, and geochemistry, employing micropaleontological, sedimentological, and geochemical techniques. Key areas include studying Holocene lake and marine paleoclimate records, assessing climate variability's impact on aquatic ecosystems, evaluating land-use change effects on lake/coastal-marine ecosystems, and evaluating ecosystem remediation success. Leading the Patterson Laboratory, affiliated with the Carleton Climate and Environmental Research Group (CCERG), Global Water Institute (GWI), and Carleton Northern Studies Program. Notable work includes defining the Anthropocene boundary using Crawford Lake's varved sediments and investigating road salt contamination, arsenic bioindicators, and Itrax-XRF core scanning methodologies. Research highlights include contributions to understanding Holocene climate variability, anthropogenic impacts on aquatic systems, and innovative methodologies for high-resolution sediment analysis. His lab develops tools like freeze core microtomes and FlowCam technology for rapid ecological assessments. Publications span 40+ years, with recent emphasis on Anthropocene stratigraphy, subarctic resilience, and heavy metal contamination in northern ecosystems. Collaborations include ArcticNet and Northern geoscience projects.
Agneta Andersson is a Professor at Umeå University's Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, and affiliated as Professor at the Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMF). She leads research projects in marine ecology and coordinates the strategic EcoChange program. Her work focuses on microbial ecology, eutrophication impacts, and climate change effects on marine ecosystems. She supervises PhD student Meifang Zhong and collaborates with postdoc Alef dos Santos and lab members Sonia Brugel, Kesava Ramasamy, Karolina Eriksson, and Li Zhao. Research Interests Her research explores microbial community dynamics, predator-prey interactions in aquatic systems, and the ecological consequences of terrestrial organic matter inflow. Key topics include mercury contamination in sediments, phytoplankton responses to environmental changes, and the role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in coastal ecosystems. She investigates how climate-driven environmental shifts affect food web efficiency and toxin bioaccumulation patterns. Current Projects Scientific Coordinator for the strategic EcoChange program Leading a 2025–2026 project assessing eutrophication threats in the Bothnian Bay Developing DNA-based monitoring tools for marine phytoplankton Grants & Collaborations Her work is supported by grants funding studies on Baltic Sea microbial diversity and coastal DOM dynamics. She contributes to international initiatives like the CoastDOM database and collaborates with institutions globally to address climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Labs & Teams Her research group focuses on microbial ecology and environmental monitoring. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular techniques, field observations, and experimental mesocosm studies to address pressing environmental challenges.
Prof Scott Keogh is a Professor in Evolutionary Biology at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Division of Ecology & Evolution within the Research School of Biology. He holds leadership roles such as former Head of Division (2012–2019, 2023) and Interim Director of the Research School of Biology (2020–2021). His research focuses on evolutionary processes in reptiles and amphibians, particularly molecular phylogenetics, comparative biology, and conservation. He has supervised 15 PhD students, 15 honours students, and hosted multiple postdoctoral researchers through his lab, which emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and fieldwork. Keogh completed his BS at the University of Illinois (1991), MS at Illinois State University (1993), and PhD at the University of Sydney (1997). He joined ANU in 1998 after an Australian Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship. His lab’s research spans four core areas: molecular phylogenetics, comparative evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and conservation biology. Notable projects include studies on Australian blindsnakes, skinks, pythons, and frogs, with a focus on arid zone species and conservation genetics. His research has addressed topics like morphological evolution in reptiles, the impact of climate change on biodiversity, and the genetic basis of reproductive strategies. He has secured grants for projects such as the conservation of the Southern Corroboree Frog and studies on Australian frog phylogeography. His lab actively collaborates internationally and uses cutting-edge genomic tools for species delimitation and conservation planning. Keogh’s work has led to over 174 publications and 7625 citations, with recent studies emphasizing phylogenomics, niche conservatism, and invasive species biology. His lab’s activities are detailed on their website, which includes Twitter feeds and awards won by lab members. He advocates for rigorous taxonomy and genomic approaches to address the biodiversity crisis.
Maria Alguero-Muniz is a Researcher at the University of Glasgow , affiliated with the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine . Her work focuses on ocean acidification impacts , plankton community dynamics , and marine ecosystem responses to environmental stressors. Her research spans plankton physiology , trophic interactions , and climate change adaptation in marine systems. Recent projects include eDNA metabarcoding for aquaculture monitoring and upwelling simulations to study carbon cycling. Maria's publications (2012–2025) reveal a thematic focus on marine biogeochemistry , zooplankton ecology , and novel species taxonomy . Key collaborations include institutions studying pelagic food webs and CO2-driven ecological shifts . Scientific awards include funding from The Royal Society of Edinburgh (2021–2022) for planktonic threat monitoring in salmon aquaculture. Her work has been published in Nature Climate Change , Global Biogeochemical Cycles , and Frontiers in Marine Science .
Dr. Megan Huggett is a Senior Lecturer in Marine Science at the University of Newcastle's School of Environmental and Life Sciences. Her research focuses on microbial ecology in marine and coastal ecosystems, particularly the role of microbes in fish health, larval settlement, and responses to environmental stressors like climate change and pollution. She holds a PhD and BSc from the University of New South Wales. Her work bridges fundamental science and applied solutions, collaborating with government agencies (e.g., NSW Department of Planning, Hunter Water) to address estuarine water quality and contamination issues. Key projects include investigating microplastic impacts, microbial community shifts under warming, and the ecological role of fish gut microbiomes. Recent studies highlight her focus on climate-driven microbial dysbiosis in fish, the ecological consequences of urchin barrens, and the application of eDNA for biomonitoring. She has secured ~$447k in grants since 2021, supporting projects on seagrass resilience, microbial source tracking, and urban estuary management. Dr. Huggett emphasizes training future marine scientists, with over 36 journal articles and two conference papers. Her future research aims to develop microbial probiotics for ecosystem resilience and improve understanding of microbial responses to anthropogenic pressures.
Associate Professor Paul Nevill is affiliated with Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds roles including leadership in the MBioMe group (Minesite Biodiversity Monitoring with eDNA), membership in the TrEnD lab, and involvement with the ARC Training Centre for Healing Country. His research focuses on molecular approaches for species conservation, restoration genetics, and eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring. He collaborates with government agencies, industries, and academic institutions to advance ecological restoration and conservation practices. Paul's educational background includes extensive training in molecular ecology and conservation biology, reflected in his academic publications and projects. He teaches and coordinates units like ENST3000 at Curtin, and supervises HDR students, emphasizing hands-on mentorship in ecological research. His research interests span molecular ecology, restoration genetics, and the application of eDNA to monitor ecosystems. Notable projects include using spider webs and airborne particles for vertebrate detection, assessing soil microbial communities in mine restoration, and evaluating the impacts of land-use changes on root-fungal networks. His work bridges laboratory-based genomics with field ecology, addressing both theoretical and applied conservation challenges. Paul's collaborations extend to global initiatives, such as the 500 Plastome Project for plant conservation, and he actively participates in policy-relevant discussions on ethical seed sourcing and restoration targets. His contributions to ecological solutions are further highlighted through involvement in projects like microbial inoculation for mine-waste substrates and the use of miniaturized spectrometers for soil health assessment. In terms of awards, while no specific prizes are listed, his leadership roles and active membership in the Society for Ecological Restoration underscore his commitment to advancing conservation practices. His work has been published in high-impact journals like Trends in Plant Science , Biological Reviews , and Molecular Ecology , reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his research.
Brian B. Laird is Professor and Department Chair of Chemistry at the University of Kansas. He earned dual B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin (1982) and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry from UC Berkeley (1987). His career includes postdoctoral positions at Columbia University, Forschungszentrum Jülich (NATO Fellowship), University of Utah, University of Sydney, and University of Wisconsin, with visiting appointments at the University of Mainz, University of Leicester, and UC Davis. Research focuses on applying statistical mechanics and molecular simulation to materials science, with three primary areas: (1) structure and thermodynamics of condensed-phase interfaces, (2) phase coexistence under nanoscale confinement, and (3) advanced molecular dynamics algorithms. His publications demonstrate strong emphasis on surface thermodynamics, nanomaterial interactions, and ecological applications of computational methods. Honors include the NSF CAREER Award. Professor Laird directs an active research group mentoring 19+ graduate students/postdocs. The Laird Lab frequently collaborates internationally with institutions in China, Germany, and the UK.
Matthew Campbell is a Research Fellow at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS), part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is affiliated with the Curtin Medical Research Institute (Curtin MRI) and holds office in Room 201 at Curtin Perth campus. His research focuses on environmental DNA (eDNA), ancient DNA (aDNA), microbial ecology, and hypersaline/extreme environment studies. Key projects include investigating coastal-marine ecosystems through sedimentary aDNA, groundwater keystone ecosystems, and microbial community responses to environmental stressors like salinity and cyclones. Research emphasizes integrative approaches combining eDNA metabarcoding with traditional ecological methods, particularly in hypersaline lakes (e.g., Rottnest Island), arid zone calcretes, and anchialine sinkholes. His work bridges microbiology, geochemistry, and conservation biology, addressing topics like threatened species detection (e.g., Pilbara olive python), climate change impacts on microbial communities, and ecosystem function in extreme environments. Campbell collaborates extensively with international teams on projects ranging from Australian coastal systems to Indonesian Lake Towuti. Publications reflect a strong focus on method development for eDNA sampling (e.g., spider webs as novel matrices) and interdisciplinary applications of DNA-based techniques to understand ecosystem dynamics. His work contributes to both fundamental ecological understanding and applied conservation strategies. No major scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.
Monika Quinones Winder is a Professor of Marine Ecology at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University. She leads the Winder Lab, which focuses on understanding the drivers of food web interactions and how they respond to environmental change in aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Winder received her PhD in Natural Sciences from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Washington, Seattle, and the University of California, Davis. Her academic journey has positioned her as a leading researcher in marine ecology and plankton dynamics. Her research program explores aquatic food web interactions and their responses to environmental changes, with particular emphasis on planktonic organisms in both freshwater and marine systems. She investigates how species composition and biotic interactions regulate populations, trophic energy transfer, and ecosystem function. Dr. Winder employs a multifaceted approach, combining descriptive field studies, long-term ecological monitoring, experimental research, and advanced molecular techniques such as selective metabarcoding to understand the impacts of external pressures on species and ecosystem dynamics. Analysis of Dr. Winder's recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts on plankton communities, particularly in the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Her work examines phenological shifts in plankton blooms, the effects of warming and acidification on plankton recruitment from sediments, and the role of microbial communities in zooplankton gut function. She also maintains active research programs on fish larvae ecology in coastal East Africa and invasive species impacts in the Bolivian Amazon. Dr. Winder has received recognition for her contributions to marine ecology, though specific awards are not detailed in the available information. Her research has been supported by various funding sources that enable her comprehensive investigations of aquatic ecosystems across different geographical regions. As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Winder supervises students and postdoctoral researchers in her lab, fostering the next generation of marine ecologists. Her collaborative approach is evident in the extensive list of co-authored publications spanning multiple international research teams. The Winder Lab maintains an active research agenda with several ongoing projects including studies on plankton species interaction networks, protist parasites in plankton food webs, larval fish production in coastal East Africa, sustainable management of water and soil resources in Bolivia, and plankton-fish interactions in Baltic Sea food webs.
