Find Academic Supervisors

Henny van der MeiView profile

Professor

• Biomaterials
• Microbiology
• Biofilm Research
• +3 more

Prof. Henny van der Mei is a Full Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Medical Sciences, affiliated with the Man, Biomaterials and Microbes (MBM) department. His research focuses on biomaterial-associated infections, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation. He holds editorial roles at Colloids and Surfaces; Biofilms and FEMS Reviews Microbiology . Research Interests: Van der Mei's work centers on understanding how modified biomaterial surfaces influence bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Key areas include antimicrobial strategies for medical implants, nanotechnology applications in infection control, and the development of novel antibiofilm agents. His expertise spans biomaterials science, microbiology, and biomedical engineering. Recent Articles: His most recent studies explore carbon quantum dots for antimicrobial applications, macrophage interactions with Staphylococcus aureus, and single-atom catalysts for antibacterial therapy. He has published over 680 articles, with a focus on biofilm dispersal mechanisms and nanomaterial-based solutions to antibiotic resistance. Awards: While no specific awards are listed, his extensive research output and editorial roles highlight significant contributions to the field. Grants/Advising: Supervised over 100 works and actively participates in global initiatives like the European Water Tech Week. His activities include keynote speaking at conferences on biofilms, biomaterials, and water technology. Labs/Teams: Leads research in antimicrobial biomaterials and biofilm control at the UMCG, collaborating internationally on projects addressing infections in medical devices and water systems.

Timothy SchmidtView profile

Professor

• Molecular Spectroscopy
• Astrochemistry
• Quantum Chemistry
• +4 more

Professor Timothy Schmidt is the Head of the School of Chemistry at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He holds a BSc (Hons 1M) from the University of Sydney (1997) and a PhD in femtosecond spectroscopy from the University of Cambridge (2002). His research focuses on molecular spectroscopy, astrochemistry, and quantum chemistry, with notable contributions to singlet fission, triplet-triplet annihilation, and exciton science. He is a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science and has received prestigious awards such as the Coblentz Award (2010) and the RACI Physical Chemistry Medal (2021). His work spans solar energy conversion, interstellar chemistry, and advanced materials. Key grants include the $31.9M ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (2017-23) and a $403k Discovery Grant for astrochemical spectroscopy (2019-21). He leads the development of photon upconversion technologies and has pioneered studies on carbon-based molecules in space. His teaching includes courses in physical chemistry and advanced chemistry for first-year students. Prof. Schmidt’s labs are based in the Dalton Building and Science and Engineering Building at UNSW, with a focus on cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques. He actively engages in public science communication, including National Science Week talks. His research bridges fundamental physics and applied chemistry, addressing global challenges in energy and materials science.

John IacominiView profile

Professor

• Adaptive immune responses
• Immunological tolerance
• MicroRNAs in T cell activation
• +2 more

John Iacomini is a Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Immunology and cross-appointed in Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and other biomedical programs. He has taught courses like Intro to Immunology and Advanced Cellular Immunology since 2011. Doctor of Philosophy , Tufts University (1991) Bachelor of Science , Syracuse University (1986) His research focuses on adaptive immune responses , immunological tolerance , and the role of microRNAs in T cell activation and tissue injury responses . Recent work explores how hyperlipidemia and dietary factors influence organ transplant rejection and immune regulation. His publications since 2015 highlight studies on Treg dysfunction , Th17 cell pathogenicity , microRNA-mRNA interactions in nephrotoxicity, and hormonal modulation of T cells. These studies often intersect transplant immunology and metabolic-immune crosstalk . Scientific Awards NIH Grant: Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by microRNAs (2021-2026) NIH Grant: Microbial disruption of dendritic cell function (2018-2023) NIH Grant: Hyperlipidemia effects on immune memory (2018-2020) NIH Grant: Diet-induced transplant rejection (2015-2020) American Heart Association Grant: Hyperlipidemia in cardiac rejection (2014) As a mentor, he has advised graduate students like Christopher Benway and contributed to training programs. His laboratory remains active in uncovering mechanisms of immune tolerance , microRNA regulation , and metabolic influences on transplant outcomes .

• Human Genetics
• Health Sciences
• Genomics
• +5 more

Mads Kaern is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, specializing in synthetic biology, gene regulation, and systems biology. His research integrates computational modeling with experimental approaches to understand cellular processes and design genetic circuits for biomedical applications. Key areas of focus include epistasis analysis, gene expression variability, and the development of educational programs in BIOSTEM. Research interests span molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, synthetic biology applications, and quantitative analysis of genetic interactions. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary methods combining genomics, bioinformatics, and engineering principles to address complex biological questions. Publications highlight contributions to understanding cellular heterogeneity, improving DNA assembly techniques, and advancing therapeutic strategies through synthetic biology. Educational efforts include initiatives like iGEM-inspired programs to enhance undergraduate research and skill development in biotechnology.

Matthias C. RilligView profile

Professor

• Climate change
• Pollution
• Global change
• +4 more

Matthias C. Rillig is a distinguished Professor of Plant Ecology at the Free University of Berlin, where he has held a Chair (W3) position since 2008. He also serves as Director of the Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) since 2013. His academic career spans prestigious institutions including the University of Montana and collaborations with Stanford University. Dr. Rillig's work bridges fundamental ecological research with pressing environmental challenges. His educational background includes: PhD in Ecology (1997) from San Diego State University/University of California Davis, with Dr. Michael F. Allen as advisor Non-graduating studies in Botany (Honors) at University of Edinburgh (1992-1993) Vordiplom in Biology from Universität Kaiserslautern (1991) Dr. Rillig's research focuses on the intersection of soil ecology, global change biology, and emerging environmental threats. His work particularly emphasizes: Soil biodiversity and its role in ecosystem functioning Mycorrhizal networks and fungal ecology in terrestrial systems Microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments, a pioneering research area he helped establish Climate change impacts on soil-plant interactions Global change biology examining multiple stressors on ecosystems His publication record demonstrates strategic focus on high-impact environmental issues, particularly the emerging threat of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. Dr. Rillig's work consistently appears in top-tier journals including Science, Nature, and PNAS, showing his leadership in translating fundamental ecological research into policy-relevant science. His research reveals critical connections between soil microbial communities, ecosystem resilience, and anthropogenic stressors. Dr. Rillig's scientific recognition includes: Member of the German National Academy of Science - Leopoldina (2021) Elected Fellow of the Ecological Society of America (2019) Clarivate Analytics 'Highly Cited Researcher' for five consecutive years (2017-2021) ERC Advanced Grant recipient (2016) Dahlem Research School Award for Excellent Supervision of doctoral students (2016) Full Member of iDiv – German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (2012) As an advisor, Dr. Rillig has demonstrated exceptional mentorship, recognized by the Dahlem Research School Award for Excellent Supervision. His research program is supported by prestigious funding including an ERC Advanced Grant, enabling ambitious investigations into soil ecology and global change. Through his leadership at BBIB, he fosters interdisciplinary collaboration addressing biodiversity challenges across multiple scales. Dr. Rillig maintains an active research laboratory focused on experimental ecology, particularly examining soil-plant-microbe interactions under global change conditions. His team employs innovative approaches to study microplastic impacts, mycorrhizal networks, and soil biodiversity dynamics, contributing significantly to the scientific understanding of terrestrial ecosystems facing multiple anthropogenic stressors.

Wittung Stafshede PernillaView profile

Professor

• Protein Biology
• Biophysics
• Biochemical Engineering
• +7 more

**Pernilla Wittung Stafshede** is a Full Professor with Tenure and Head of the Chemical Biology division at Chalmers University of Technology (Gothenburg, Sweden). She previously held professorships at Umeå University (Sweden) and Rice University (USA). Her research focuses on protein folding, metalloproteins, biophysical methods, and applications to diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. She leads the Wittung-Stafshede Lab , part of Chalmers’ Chemical Biology infrastructure. **Research Interests**: Protein folding mechanisms, metal transfer proteins, spectroscopic techniques, amyloid formation, and biophysical studies of macromolecules. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with disease mechanisms, leveraging advanced experimental and computational methods. **Awards**: Notable honors include the Arrhenius Medal (2016), membership in the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences (2016), and sustained Wallenberg Scholar funding (2010–2022). She is recognized for pioneering contributions to chemical biology. **Key Contributions**: Her lab’s work spans protein dynamics, metallomics, and disease-related protein misfolding. Recent publications highlight systems biology approaches to yeast metabolism and drought stress responses in plants.

Zhang YoumingView profile

Professor

• Genome-mining
• Synthetic biotechnology
• Natural product biosynthesis
• +3 more

Professor Youming Zhang is a leading academic at Shandong University , serving as Director of the Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology and the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology since 2013. He has pioneered advancements in biotechnology through cross-border collaborations between Germany and China. Ph.D. in Medicine (University of Heidelberg, 1995) Postgraduate studies (Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 1988-1990) Bachelor’s degree (Xiamen University, 1985) His research focuses on synthetic biotechnology , genome editing , and microbial natural product biosynthesis , with groundbreaking work in Red/ET DNA recombineering and heterologous gene expression. His publications span high-impact journals like Nature , Nature Biotechnology , and PNAS , emphasizing techniques for efficient DNA manipulation and natural product discovery. He has received major accolades including the Elsevier 'Chinese Most Cited Researchers' (2018) and the National 'Thousand People Plan' expert (2013) . His career includes founding Gene Bridges GmbH (2000) and holding EMBO Long-Term Fellowships at EMBL (1997-2000).

• Fluid Dynamics
• Microfluidics
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Bin Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California Merced. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, microfluidics, and active matter systems, with emphasis on bacterial motility, geometric control of fluid flows, and origami-based mechanics. He explores applications in biomedical engineering and material science through innovative microfluidic device designs and theoretical frameworks. His work integrates experimental and computational approaches to study phenomena such as symmetry-protected flows, bacterial behavior in structured environments, and topological properties of origami metamaterials. Liu’s contributions bridge physics, engineering, and biology, addressing challenges in lab-on-a-chip technologies and active matter systems. Key research topics include stress-free microfluidic manipulation, size-dependent transport in micropillar arrays, and the dynamics of bacterial aggregates. His studies often reveal how geometric and symmetry principles can be leveraged to control fluid flows and microbial behavior at microscopic scales.

Ulrich H.E. HansmannView profile

Professor

• Biophysical Chemistry
• Protein Folding
• Aggregation Mechanisms
• +3 more

Ulrich H.E. Hansmann is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma. He holds a Ph.D. from Freie Universität Berlin (1990), followed by postdoctoral research at Florida State University and ETH Zürich. His research focuses on computational biophysical chemistry, specifically protein folding, aggregation, and enhanced sampling techniques. His lab develops algorithms and software, such as the SMMP package, to study biomolecular processes relevant to diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Recent work includes investigating the role of microbial infections in amyloidogenesis and SARS-CoV-2 interactions with proteins. He leads the Hansmann Group, which collaborates on projects involving protein-ligand binding and membrane interactions. Education: M.A. (1983), Diplom (1985), Ph.D. (1990) from Freie Universität Berlin. Research Keywords: Protein folding, aggregation, enhanced sampling, amyloidosis, computational modeling. His research explores mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation, with applications in drug design and disease pathology. Collaborations include studies on viral proteins’ effects on amyloid formation and antibiotic peptide stability. The SMMP software, developed by his group, enables efficient simulations of large biomolecules.

Mette Hedegaard ThomsenView profile

Professor

• Biorefinery
• Halophytes
• Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)
• +7 more

Mette Hedegaard Thomsen is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University. Her research focuses on biorefinery systems, halophyte utilization, and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) mitigation. She leads projects involving valorization of organic waste, development of natural biocides, and sustainable biofuel production. Research Interests: Halophyte-based biorefineries Microbial corrosion inhibition Organic waste-to-energy conversion Phenolic compound extraction Probiotic/postbiotic applications Key Projects (2018–2027): Biorefinery of Biomass Residues for High-Value Compounds Improving GreeN Innovation for Sustainable Animal Farming Halophyte Extracts as Natural Corrosion Inhibitors Advising & Grants: Supervisor for 4 PhD students Funded by EU Horizon 2022 and industry partnerships Labs/Teams: Halophyte Biorefinery Lab Corrosion Inhibition Research Group Waste Valorization Consortium

Håkon DahleView profile

Professor

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

Håkon Dahle is a Professor and Group Leader at the Computational Biological Unit (CBU) at the University of Bergen. He also leads the 'Energy and Life' work package at the K.G. Jebsen Centre for Deep Sea Research. His affiliation is with the Department of Biological Sciences (BIO). His research focuses on microbial ecology, investigating how natural and human-driven factors influence microbial communities and ecosystems across diverse environments, including hydrothermal vents, aquaculture systems, and marine ecosystems. Key research questions include understanding microbial community structure in hydrothermal systems, the interplay between geochemistry and microbial life, and optimizing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Dahle employs bioinformatics, field observations, and population modeling to address these questions. He collaborates on projects like VIRVAR (NFR-funded), exploring algal-virus interactions, and MONITOR, advancing RAS microbial monitoring. His work spans microbial diversity in extreme environments such as Arctic hydrothermal vents and the impacts of deep-sea mining tailings. Notable contributions include studies on Zetaproteobacteria in hydrothermal mats and the microbiome dynamics in salmon farming. Dahle has supervised doctoral candidates like Jan Pieter Vander Roost (2018) and Runar Stokke, advancing microbial ecology and geobiology. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, from viral genomics to aquaculture engineering. His research bridges fundamental microbiology with applied challenges in sustainable aquaculture and environmental stewardship.

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +7 more

Dr Sean Tomlinson is an ARC Grant-Funded Researcher (A) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Adelaide. His work focuses on integrating physiological and ecological principles to address challenges in conservation biology, restoration ecology, and biodiversity management. Key research areas include seed germination dynamics, animal metabolic responses to environmental stressors, and the application of physiological tools to inform conservation strategies. His research employs interdisciplinary approaches, combining field studies, experimental laboratory work, and computational modeling to understand ecological processes at multiple scales. Notable contributions include studies on the impacts of climate change on plant and animal physiology, the reconstruction of historical ecological dynamics, and the development of frameworks for effective ecological restoration. Recent work emphasizes the importance of physiological data in guiding translocation programs for threatened species, optimizing seed-banking strategies for degraded landscapes, and bridging gaps between theoretical models and applied conservation practices. Dr Tomlinson collaborates extensively with government agencies, NGOs, and international research networks to ensure his work informs policy and on-ground management decisions. His publications highlight innovative methodologies such as LiDAR-based habitat analysis for endangered species, high-resolution niche modeling informed by edaphic factors, and quasi-mechanistic spatial models for insect energetics. Ongoing projects explore the interplay of temperature, moisture, and bioclimatic factors in shaping species' distributions and resilience to anthropogenic pressures.

• Aquatic Ecology
• Freshwater Ecology
• Nutrient Cycling
• +12 more

Walter K. Dodds is a University Distinguished Professor in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research lab, established in 1990, is a leading center for freshwater ecology, focusing on nutrient cycling, water quality, and stream conservation. He is actively involved in major research initiatives including the Konza Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project and the MAPS (Microbiomes of Aquatic Plant and Soil Systems) program. Research Interests: Dr. Dodds' work centers on aquatic ecology, particularly the trophic state of rivers and streams influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. His lab emphasizes nitrogen cycling, nutrient criteria development, valuation of ecosystem services, scaling of ecological patterns, and prairie stream dynamics. His research bridges fundamental science with environmental policy and conservation. Publication Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong focus on macrosystems ecology, environmental impacts of nanomaterials, nutrient retention in agricultural landscapes, and interdisciplinary connections among aquatic, plant, and soil microbiomes. These works appear in high-impact journals such as Science of The Total Environment , Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment , and Bioscience , showcasing his leadership in synthesizing ecological knowledge across scales. Scientific Contributions: Although specific awards are not listed in the provided texts, Dr. Dodds is a recognized authority in limnology, evidenced by his widely adopted textbook Freshwater Ecology (3rd ed., 2019). He is affiliated with numerous professional societies, including the Society for Freshwater Science, Ecological Society of America, and Sigma Xi. Advising and Grants: Over the past three decades, Dr. Dodds has mentored more than 20 graduate students, 8 postdoctoral associates, and over 30 undergraduates, reflecting a strong commitment to training the next generation of scientists. His lab has been supported by long-term funding from programs like the Konza LTER, indicating sustained grant success and collaborative research impact. Labs and Teams: The Dodds Lab at K-State is a vibrant research group engaged in field, lab, and theoretical work. Key projects include the Konza LTER, studies on riparian fencing and cattle impacts, and the MAPS project exploring microbiomes across ecosystems. The lab has a documented history of collaborative science, international partnerships, and contributions to ecological theory and application.

• Resource Recovery
• Waste Management
• Environmental Sustainability
• +3 more

Pedro Brancoli is a Senior Lecturer at the Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery within the University of Borås' Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business. His research focuses on environmental aspects of resource recovery, waste management, and food waste reduction, particularly in supermarket and bakery contexts. He collaborates with doctoral students Zisen Liu and Samira Syed, and his work emphasizes quantitative methods like material flow analysis and life cycle assessment. Research Interests: Environmental sustainability through waste valorization Automated food waste quantification systems Climate impact of food production and distribution Key Outputs: Recent publications include studies on household food waste patterns, bakery surplus reduction, and carbon footprint analysis of street market waste in Brazil. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in circular economy models. Grants & Awards: No specific awards listed, but research is supported by grants like the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (2022–00077). Labs/Teams: Active within the Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery, focusing on cross-disciplinary solutions for sustainable resource management.

Norman Van RhijnView profile

Research Fellow

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Climate Change Impact on Fungal Pathogens
• One Health
• +3 more

Norman Van Rhijn is a Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellow at the University of Manchester's Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics. His research focuses on microbial evolution with specific emphasis on fungal pathogens, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus . He leads work on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate change impacts on fungal diseases, and genetic tools for non-model organisms. He holds affiliations with MERman (Microbial Evolution Research Manchster) and the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG). Education: BSc Biology (Leiden University), MSc Medical Mycology (University of Manchester), PhD in Molecular Biology (University of Manchester). Research highlights include developing CRISPR-based genome editing methodologies, studying fungal adaptation to environmental pressures, and investigating dual-use fungicides. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and environmental sustainability. Award: Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellowship. Labs/Teams: PI in the MFIG project, editorial board member for mBio , and active in professional societies including the Microbiology Society and British Society for Medical Mycology.