Find Academic Supervisors

Christopher FrancisView profile

Professor

• Environmental Microbiology
• Nitrogen Cycling
• Estuarine Biogeochemistry
• +3 more

Christopher Francis is a Professor of Earth System Science and Oceans at Stanford University, and a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. He holds affiliations with the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources and the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Education: PhD in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2000), B.A. in Biology (Highest Honors) from UC Santa Cruz (1994). Research focuses on microbial biogeochemistry, particularly nitrogen cycling in estuaries and floodplains. His work integrates field studies, genomics, and structural biology to understand how microbial communities influence ecosystem processes like nitrification and carbon fixation. Key areas include Thaumarchaeota metabolism, estuarine eutrophication resistance, and subsurface microbial adaptations. Recent studies highlight novel microbial adaptations in low-salinity environments, structural insights into archaeal enzymes, and the role of microbial diversity in maintaining ecosystem function under environmental stress. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with large-scale biogeochemical processes. Awards: None explicitly listed in provided text. Grant-funded projects include studies on San Francisco Bay nitrogen dynamics, floodplain microbiomes, and archaeal ecophysiology. Collaborations span environmental microbiology, structural biology, and geochemistry. Labs/Teams: Leads research groups focused on microbial ecology and environmental systems, affiliated with Stanford's Woods Institute and Doerr School.

• Neuroscience
• Parasitology
• Sensory Neurobiology
• +6 more

Elissa A Hallem is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) . Her research lies at the intersection of neurobiology and parasitology , focusing on the sensory neural circuits that drive host-seeking behavior in skin-penetrating nematodes like Strongyloides stercoralis , a human-parasitic worm. She also investigates chemosensation , host-pathogen interactions , and sensory plasticity using both parasitic nematodes and the free-living Caenorhabditis elegans as comparative models. Education BA in Biology and Chemistry from Williams College (1999) PhD in Neuroscience from Yale University (2005) Postdoctoral training in Biology at Caltech (2010) Research Focus Her work addresses fundamental questions about how sensory circuits enable parasitic worms to detect and infect hosts. Key findings reveal the neural basis of heat seeking , chemosensory valence , and experience-dependent plasticity in nematodes. She has developed genetic tools for Strongyloides and studies steroid hormone pathways in Pristionchus pacificus . Scientific Awards 2023: UCLA Life Sciences Excellence in Research Award 2020: UCLA Faculty Mentor Award 2016: HHMI Faculty Scholar Award 2015: Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Disease Award 2014: NIH Director's New Innovator Award 2012: MacArthur Fellowship 2011: Rita Allen Foundation Fellowship Lab Overview The Hallem Lab at UCLA emphasizes inclusive research and tool development for parasitic nematode studies, aiming to uncover novel strategies for preventing infections through understanding sensory-driven parasitic mechanisms.

Kristopher McNeillView profile

Professor

• Environmental Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Catalysis
• +2 more

Prof. Kristopher McNeill is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science, where he heads the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics. Born in 1970 in Tucson, Arizona, he earned his BA in Chemistry from Reed College (1992) and PhD from UC Berkeley (1997), followed by postdoctoral work at MIT. His academic career includes positions as Assistant and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota and Visiting Professorship at Stanford. McNeill's research focuses on environmentally relevant chemical reactions, particularly catalytic and photocatalytic transformations in aquatic systems. Key areas include environmental fate of emerging contaminants, photochemistry in surface waters, and metal-mediated dehalogenation reactions. His group emphasizes mechanistic studies using modern spectroscopic techniques like NMR and time-resolved laser spectroscopy to understand degradation pathways of contaminants. His publication trends show consistent focus on photochemical processes in environmental systems, with recent work expanding into polymer degradation, DNA photochemistry, and atmospheric chemistry. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration of analytical chemistry, materials science, and environmental modeling. McNeill teaches multiple courses including: Introduction to Environmental Organic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Term Paper seminars Human Health, Nutrition and Environment

Buz BarstowView profile

Assistant Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Sustainable Energy
• Bioengineering
• +2 more

Buz Barstow is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His work focuses on developing sustainable solutions for energy and environmental challenges through synthetic biology approaches. Professor Barstow leads research in microbial engineering for resource recovery, with specific emphasis on rare earth element bioleaching using engineered organisms like Gluconobacter oxydans . His team investigates bio-accelerated weathering processes, microbial transformation techniques, and sustainable methods for critical metal recovery from waste streams. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on: Enhancing bioleaching efficiency through genomic engineering Developing circular economy approaches for industrial wastewater Advancing fundamental understanding of microbe-mineral interactions Creating low-carbon biotechnology platforms Laboratory facilities include specialized equipment for microbial cultivation, molecular biology, and materials characterization that support interdisciplinary investigations at the biology-engineering interface.

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Actinide Chemistry
• +4 more

Marinella Mazzanti is a Full Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Basic Sciences (SB) and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. She holds roles in multiple units including the SCI-SB-MM group, SCGC-ENS, and EDCH-ENS. Her research focuses on organometallic chemistry, actinide chemistry, and small molecule activation, particularly involving uranium and lanthanide complexes. She teaches courses on organometallic chemistry, f-element chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. Her work emphasizes nitrogen and carbon dioxide reduction, multimetallic cluster synthesis, and redox-active ligand systems. She has supervised numerous PhD theses and contributed significantly to advancements in actinide-based catalysis and materials science. Research Interests: Organometallic chemistry, actinide and lanthanide coordination chemistry, nitrogen and CO 2 functionalization, multimetallic clusters, redox chemistry, and catalytic systems. Her lab explores novel pathways for dinitrogen reduction to ammonia and hydrazine, as well as actinide-based materials with tailored electronic and magnetic properties. Advising & Grants: Supervised 12 doctoral students listed, with research spanning uranium nitride clusters, lanthanide oxidation states, and redox-active ligands. Her grants and collaborations focus on sustainable catalysis, actinide reactivity, and advanced materials synthesis. Labs/Teams: Leads the MM Group within the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), focusing on molecular actinide chemistry and small molecule activation.

Kevin DillonView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Food Web Dynamics
• Groundwater Hydrology
• +4 more

Dr. Kevin Dillon is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in the Division of Coastal Sciences within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering. His primary affiliation is at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He holds a PhD in Groundwater Hydrology from Florida State University (2003), an MS in Chemical Oceanography from the same institution (1998), and a BS from the University of West Florida (1991). Dr. Dillon's research focuses on marine biogeochemistry, food web dynamics, and groundwater hydrology. He specializes in using stable isotopes to investigate nutrient cycling, trophic interactions in coastal ecosystems, and the impact of human activities such as nutrient pollution and artificial reefs. His work includes studies on restored wetlands, Sargassum communities, and the effects of riverine inputs on coastal acidification and nutrient dynamics. He teaches courses such as Coastal Processes I, Stable Isotope Ecology, Water Quality, and Microbial Oceanography. His recent publications (2019–2025) emphasize trophic dynamics in Gulf of Mexico ecosystems, artificial reef impacts, and biogeochemical responses to altered freshwater flows. Notable studies include assessments of red snapper ecology, sargassum-associated juvenile fish trophic interactions, and the role of stable isotopes in quantifying ecosystem processes. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His advising and grants are not detailed here, but his research has received support from institutions like the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute and USGS. He is actively involved in coastal conservation and restoration projects, though specific lab affiliations are not listed.

Sujit S. DattaView profile

Associate Professor

• Soft Materials Engineering
• Porous Media
• Microbial Communities
• +5 more

Sujit S. Datta is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University, with a joint appointment at the Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute. He leads the Datta Lab, which recently relocated to Caltech. His research integrates soft matter physics, fluid dynamics, and biological systems to address challenges in sustainability, health, and energy. Education: Ph.D., Physics, Harvard University, 2013 A.M., Physics, Harvard University, 2010 M.S., Physics, University of Pennsylvania, 2008 B.A., Physics and Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania, 2008 Research Focus: Datta's work centers on three interconnected areas: (1) Complex fluids in porous media, examining how polymer solutions and colloidal dispersions flow through confined spaces with applications in environmental remediation; (2) Mechanics of porous hydrogels, studying swelling behavior and fracture mechanics for water harvesting and agricultural applications; (3) Microbial collectives, investigating how bacteria move, grow, and form communities in complex environments for bioremediation and medical applications. His approach combines advanced microscopy, microfluidics, and theoretical modeling. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2019-2022) demonstrate a focus on bacterial dynamics in confined environments, hydrogel mechanics under constraint, and anomalous fluid transport in porous systems. His work consistently bridges fundamental physics with applications in biotechnology and environmental engineering. Honors and Awards: AIChE Allan P. Colburn Award (2023) Society of Rheology Arthur B. Metzner Award (2023) American Physical Society Early Career Award (2023) Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar (2022) Pew Biomedical Scholar (2021) NSF CAREER Award (2019) ACS Unilever Young Investigator (2020) Andreas Acrivos Dissertation Award (2015) Advising and Funding: Current advisees include Anna Hancock and Sanjana Kamath. Major grants support his work, including awards from NSF, ACS Petroleum Research Fund, and Pew Charitable Trusts. His laboratory develops experimental platforms for studying transport phenomena in complex environments.

Thinesh SelvaratnamView profile

Associate Professor

• Wastewater Treatment
• Bioremediation
• Algal-Based Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Thinesh Selvaratnam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lamar University. His research focuses on sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, bioremediation of industrial wastewater, and the Food-Water-Environment Nexus. He holds a Ph.D. from New Mexico State University (2014), an M.S. from the University of Surrey (2011), and a B.S. from the University of Peradeniya (2009). His research interests include energy-positive wastewater treatment, algal-based systems for bioremediation, landfill leachate treatment, and resilience frameworks for infrastructure. He leads the Lamar University Center for Resiliency and has advised doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students in environmental engineering. Key awards include the Richard E. Speece Lead Author Award (2015) and the Overseas Research Scholarship (2011). His work spans over 50 peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing algal biotechnology, produced water treatment, and nutrient recovery. He teaches courses like CVEN 3370 (Water and Wastewater Treatment) and CVEN 5329 (Water Supply and Treatments). Recent projects include developing a regional resilience center, cyanidiales-based metal remediation, and leveraging algal systems to treat anaerobic digester centrate. His research group actively collaborates on interdisciplinary solutions for environmental sustainability.

Paulina FlanneryView profile

Lecturer

• Microbial Pathogens
• Virology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• +5 more

Dr. Paulina Flannery is a Lecturer in Molecular Biology/Biotechnology at Bangor University's Faculty of Science and Health, within the Department of Bioveterinary and Microbial Sciences. She obtained her PhD in Microbiology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, focusing on norovirus contamination in shellfish and public health implications. Her expertise includes virology, molecular diagnostics, and veterinary medicine, with a current focus on microbial pathogens and bacteriophage therapy to combat antibiotic resistance. She has authored over 35 peer-reviewed articles and collaborates internationally on viral diagnostics and biosafety training. Her research spans veterinary virology, including work at the Pirbright Institute on high-consequence animal viruses and development of molecular diagnostics. She actively contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in addressing health and environmental challenges. Notable collaborations include developing high-throughput sequencing methods and training programs for exotic virus identification. Recent press coverage highlights her work on estuarine microbial dynamics and pathogen management. While currently accepting PhD students, no formal advisees are listed. Her contributions to rapid diagnostic tools for viral pathogens underscore her commitment to advancing veterinary and public health solutions.

• Marine Biology
• Zoology
• Ecology
• +3 more

Rodrigo Riera Elena is a University Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. His research focuses on marine biodiversity, climate change impacts, and the ecological dynamics of coastal and oceanic ecosystems. He is affiliated with the GIR ECOAQUA research group (Biodiversity and Conservation) and the IU of Sustainable Aquaculture and Ecological Research. Key research interests include: marine invertebrate ecology, effects of human activities on coastal ecosystems, limpet and mollusc population dynamics, and the conservation of seagrass and macroalgal habitats. He leads studies on the resilience of rhodolith beds and their ecosystem services in oceanic archipelagos, as part of the 2022-2025 project Hábitats Popcorn funded by Spain's Ministry of Science and Innovation. His work integrates field observations, experimental approaches, and modeling to address pressing ecological questions. Notable contributions include studies on invasive species, fisheries sustainability, and the effects of warming oceans on marine communities. He maintains an active presence in science communication through public outreach initiatives and collaborations with international research networks. Laboratory and fieldwork affiliations include the Department of Biology's marine ecology lab and collaborations with institutions in Chile, Iran, and the Arabian Gulf. His research has been published in high-impact journals and presented globally at conferences focused on marine conservation and climate change adaptation.

Frederic AngView profile

Associate Professor

• Agricultural Economics
• Environmental Economics
• Business Economics
• +7 more

Dr. Frederic Ang is an Associate Professor in the Business Economics Group at Wageningen University & Research since 2023, specializing in agri-food sector productivity and sustainability. He holds a joint Ph.D. from KU Leuven and Hasselt University (2015), followed by postdoctoral roles at the University of Reading and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on sustainable intensification, dynamic optimization, and agricultural productivity analysis. He currently serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Productivity Analysis and Co-Editor of the Journal of Agricultural Economics . Key honors include the 2023 AES Outstanding Contribution Award and 2020 Best Referee Award. His work addresses agricultural efficiency, environmental policy, and farm-level decision-making. Education: Joint Ph.D. in Bioscience Engineering and Business Economics (2015) Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (2015) M.Sc. in Tropical Natural Resources Management (2009) B.Sc. in Biosystems Engineering (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Ang examines agricultural productivity through lenses of production economics, exploring sustainable practices and environmental-economic trade-offs. His work bridges theoretical models (e.g., Hicks-Moorsteen productivity indicators) with applied analyses of farm-level data, emphasizing nitrogen management, energy resilience, and microbial innovations. Awards & Grants: Recognized for contributions to agricultural economics journals and policy research. Active in OECD initiatives on productivity and environment. Projects include leading the SIMBA initiative on microbiome applications and the MINDSTEP project modeling farmer decisions under EU policies. Labs & Collaborations: Engaged with interdisciplinary teams in the Business Economics Group and international partners via projects like MIXED (agroforestry systems) and MINDSTEP. Coordinates research on circular economy principles and climate-smart agriculture.

• Plant Genetics
• Crop Biodiversity
• Breeding Informatics
• +5 more

Karl Schmid is a W3 Professor of Crop Plant Biodiversity and Breeding Informatics at the University of Hohenheim's Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics within the College of Agricultural Sciences. His research integrates evolutionary genetics, population genomics, and machine learning to address agricultural challenges. Ph.D. in Biology, University of Munich (1996) Postdoctoral Research, Cornell University (1997-1999) Emmy-Noether Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Chemical Ecology (2000-2006) Group Leader, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics (2006-2008) Professor of Genetics, Swedish Agricultural University (2008) His research focuses on crop biodiversity conservation, evolutionary genetics of plant pathogens, and breeding informatics applications. Current work leverages deep learning for phenotyping (quinoa panicles, barley genomics) and analyzes pathogen evolution (Exserohilum turcicum in maize). His team actively develops computational tools like GGoutlieR for geo-genetic pattern detection. Recent publications demonstrate strong trends in applying AI to agricultural genomics, particularly in quinoa improvement and pathogen surveillance. His group leads the EU H2020 INVITE project on molecular markers in plant variety protection and organizes international symposia like the 2024 Quinoa Symposium at Hohenheim. Head of Crop Biodiversity and Breeding Informatics Group Principal Investigator, EU H2020 INVITE project Organizer, International Quinoa Symposium 2024

• Environmental Microbiology
• Microbial Ecology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Xiaoyu Zhu holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and is affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. His research focuses on microbial processes, particularly dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) biosynthesis, enzyme diversity in microorganisms, and applications in stress-tolerant plant engineering. He has contributed to understanding sulfur cycling mechanisms and the roles of marine and environmental microbes in biogeochemical cycles. Key research areas include microbial metabolism, plant-microbe interactions, and biotechnological applications of genetic engineering. Collaborations span international teams, with studies published in high-impact journals like Nature Microbiology and Nature Communications .

Joanna LambertView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Community Ecology
• Nutritional Ecology
• +4 more

Joanna Lambert is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in wildlife ecology and conservation biology. Her research focuses on species interactions, resilience in the Anthropocene, and carnivore adaptation in human-impacted landscapes. She has held academic positions at the University of Texas, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Oregon. Her work integrates field and laboratory data on primates and carnivores, emphasizing nutritional ecology and conservation strategies. Education includes a PhD from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a postdoc at the University of Florida. She serves on the IUCN Primate Specialist Group, co-founded the Northwest Primate Conservation Society, and is a Fellow of AAAS and the Linnaean Society. Her lab investigates behavioral, ecological, and physiological adaptations of wildlife, with long-term field studies in Kibale National Park, Uganda, and expanding work in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Her research trends emphasize urban wildlife adaptation, rewilding strategies, and the ecological consequences of human activity. Notable articles address seed dispersal mechanisms, predator coexistence, and the impact of anthropogenic landscapes on biodiversity. Awards include recognition for her contributions to conservation biology and ecological science. Joanna advises students on interdisciplinary approaches to conservation and has directed the NSF Biological Anthropology program. She advocates for "rewilding" initiatives and engages in public outreach through blogs and field schools. Personal interests include extreme outdoor activities and global conservation advocacy.

Laura JenningsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Biofilm Polysaccharides
• Bacterial Epigenetics
• +3 more

Laura Jennings is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology at Montana State University and a Faculty Affiliate of the Center for Biofilm Engineering. Her research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, specifically exploring how biofilm polysaccharides and epigenetic mechanisms drive drug resistance and vaccine evasion. She holds a PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Cornell University and a BS in Chemical & Biological Engineering from Montana State University. Dr. Jennings' professional background includes postdoctoral work at the University of Washington and a Research Assistant Professor role at the University of Montana. She has received prestigious awards such as the NSF GRFP Fellowship and Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Her lab investigates two primary areas: 1) the role of biofilm polysaccharides in host-pathogen interactions, and 2) epigenetic heterogeneity in bacterial populations. Her research has led to patents for antibacterial carbohydrate vaccines and collaborations on projects like the NIH ASCEND Innovation Award. Key grants include the Montana INBRE grant for epigenetic studies and funding from the UM Center for Translational Medicine for vaccine development. Dr. Jennings teaches courses such as Microbiology Senior Capstone (BIOM 494) and has mentored undergraduate researchers. Her lab, located in Lewis Hall, actively recruits students for projects in microbial genetics, biofilm engineering, and translational medicine.