Find Academic Supervisors

Diana VarelaView profile

Professor

• Biological Oceanography
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• Phytoplankton Physiology
• +2 more

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.

Tim PattersonView profile

Professor

• Environmental Geology
• Paleoclimatology
• Limnology
• +5 more

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.

Chris JohnsonView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Landscape Ecology
• +2 more

Chris Johnson is a Professor of Landscape Conservation and Management at the University of Northern British Columbia's Faculty of Environment. He holds a BSc from University of Victoria and PhD from UNBC. A Registered Professional Biologist, he chairs the BC College of Applied Biology's Credentials Committee and co-chairs COSEWIC's Terrestrial Mammals Subcommittee. His research integrates wildlife, landscape, and conservation ecology to assess human impacts on ecosystems. Key themes include cumulative effects of resource development, species-distribution modeling, and community-based conservation planning. Recent publications focus on disturbance ecology (fire/forestry), caribou conservation, and methodological advances in wildlife monitoring. Trends show strong emphasis on boreal/Arctic systems and anthropogenic pressures. No awards or specific lab details were mentioned.

Agneta AnderssonView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Aquatic Microbiology
• Eutrophication
• +5 more

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.

Rachel WrightView profile

Lecturer

• Coral Reef Biology
• Symbiosis
• Gene Expression
• +3 more

Rachel Wright serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Southern Methodist University (SMU), teaching advanced courses including BIOL 4322: Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes and BIOL 3222: Molecular Genetics Laboratory. Her academic credentials feature: BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from University of Texas, Austin Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from University of Texas, Austin Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School Postdoctoral training at Boston University Dr. Wright's research centers on coral reef molecular ecology , with emphasis on symbiosis dynamics and stress response mechanisms . Key investigations include gene expression patterns during thermal challenges, microbiome variations across symbiotic states, and molecular tradeoffs in coral immunity. Her work bridges laboratory genetics with conservation applications through studies of cnidarian models like Exaiptasia diaphana and reef-building corals. Publication analysis (2013-2024) reveals consistent focus on coral holobiont responses to climate stressors, with recent contributions to Symbiodiniaceae diversity standards (2023) and thermal adaptation mechanisms (2024). Notable interdisciplinary work includes developing inclusive scientific metrics (2021) and connecting gene expression data to restoration practices. Information regarding research grants, laboratory facilities, and graduate student mentorship is not specified in available institutional records.

Scott KeoghView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Phylogenetics
• Comparative Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

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.

• Marine Biology
• Ocean Acidification
• Plankton Ecology
• +3 more

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 .

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Climate Change Impact on Marine Ecosystems
• Microbial Ecology
• +5 more

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.

• Molecular Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Restoration Genetics
• +3 more

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. LairdView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Statistical Mechanics
• +5 more

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.

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis
• Microbial Ecology
• Ancient DNA (aDNA) Studies
• +3 more

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.

Jan GogartenView profile

Researcher

• Primate microbiomes
• Zoonotic pathogens
• Ecological and evolutionary biology
• +3 more

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 AndowView profile

Professor

• Insect population and community ecology
• Ecological risk assessment
• Invasive species
• +3 more

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 .

Monika Quinones WinderView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Aquatic Food Webs
• Plankton Ecology
• +3 more

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.

• Taxonomy
• Molecular Biology
• Phylogenetics
• +4 more

Dr. Michael Raupach is the Head of Section Hemiptera at the Zoological State Collection Munich (ZSM) within the Bavarian State Natural Science Collections (SNSB) . His research integrates molecular techniques with traditional taxonomy to address systematics, biodiversity assessment, and phylogenetic relationships in Hemiptera and other arthropod groups. Key affiliations: ZSM, SNSB, German Research Foundation (DFG) projects Primary roles: Section Head, Researcher, Scientific Editor Dr. Raupach specializes in DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of marine and terrestrial invertebrates, particularly Carabidae beetles , Isopoda crustaceans , and Hemiptera bugs . His work reveals cryptic species , glacial refugia , and deep-sea colonization patterns . His publications demonstrate expertise in mitogenome phylogeny , species delineation , and bioinformatic approaches to biodiversity. Collaborations span Antarctic marine ecology , German freshwater arthropods , and global crustacean systematics . Scientific Awards Recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Leadership in national DNA barcoding initiatives Dr. Raupach actively contributes to peer-reviewed journals , scientific conferences , and public biodiversity education . His work bridges morphological taxonomy with next-generation sequencing to resolve long-standing classification challenges.