Find Academic Supervisors

Ng How YongView profile

Assistant Professor

• Membrane Science and Technology
• Water Reclamation and Reuse
• Anaerobic/Aerobic Wastewater Treatment
• +3 more

Dr. Ng How Yong is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS). He specializes in membrane science and wastewater treatment technologies, with a focus on membrane fouling mitigation and bioelectrochemical systems. His research integrates membrane bioreactors, anaerobic/aerobic processes, and microbial sensors for sustainable water reclamation and industrial wastewater management. Education: BEng/MEng (Civil Engineering, NUS, 1997/2000), Ph.D. (Environmental Engineering, UC Berkeley, 2002) Research interests include membrane separation processes, microbial fuel cell-based sensors for heavy metal detection, and energy recovery from wastewater. He has pioneered advancements in anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactors and forward osmosis technologies. Key contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on optimizing biological treatment systems, understanding fouling mechanisms, and developing novel desalination processes. His work bridges fundamental science and engineering applications, addressing global water scarcity challenges. Awards: IWA Fellow (2012), NUS Young Researcher Award (2009), Singapore Youth Award (2008) Dr. Ng has led multiple international conferences, including the 8th IWA Specialist Conference on Membrane Technology (2017) and the 3rd Asia-Pacific Young Water Professional Conference (2010). He serves on editorial boards of Water Research , Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination , and the International Water Association committees.

Angela D KentView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Nitrogen Cycling
• Agroecosystems
• +3 more

Angela D. Kent is a Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as Director of the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology within the School of Integrative Biology. She is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on microbial communities in agroecosystems and natural environments, particularly their roles in nitrogen cycling, soil health, and sustainable bioenergy production. Key research interests include microbial interactions in plant-microbe systems, the impact of genetic variation in crops on microbial processes, and the ecological and biogeochemical implications of soil microbiomes. She has authored over 99 publications and supervised datasets on topics such as denitrification dynamics, rhizosphere microbiome assembly, and microbial contributions to nitrogen retention. Dr. Kent has received the NACTA Educator Award (2012) and has contributed to high-impact studies on topics like microbial community responses to environmental stressors and the application of stable isotopes in bioenergy research. Her work bridges microbial ecology, agronomy, and environmental science, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.

Jonathan ConwayView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant-microbe interactions
• Biomolecular engineering
• Systems biology
• +4 more

Jonathan Conway is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University and an associated faculty member of the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI). He leads the Conway Lab, which focuses on engineering plant-microbe interactions for applications in bioagriculture, bioenergy, and biochemical industries. Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame (2011) M.S. Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University (2013) Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University (2017) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill & Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2017-2021) Research Interests: The Conway Lab develops genetic engineering approaches for non-model bacteria at plant-microbe interfaces. Key research areas include: chemical signaling between plants and microbes, microbiome impacts on plant immunity, environmental stress responses in agricultural systems, and enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass using thermophilic bacteria. The lab employs bacterial genetics, systems biology, and biomolecular engineering to create technologies for sustainable bioindustries. Publication Trends: Recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms of plant-microbe communication (2020-2024), enzyme characterization in biomass degradation (2024-2025), and development of synthetic microbial communities for climate resilience (2024). Earlier research focused on extremophile enzymology and metabolic engineering (2012-2019). Student Advising: Currently mentors 4 graduate students and 8 undergraduates. Alumni include 9 former advisees who graduated between 2022-2024. The lab actively recruits students through Princeton's Chemical Engineering graduate program and undergraduate research initiatives. Laboratory: The Conway Lab develops microfluidic systems for root microbiome studies and genetic tools for engineering plant-associated bacteria. Current projects include designing thermophilic microbial consortia for consolidated bioprocessing and characterizing bacterial immune evasion strategies.

Ralph HückelhovenView profile

Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Molecular Biology
• Plant Immunity
• +3 more

Prof. Ralph Hückelhoven is a Professor of Phytopathology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Life Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying plant diseases, particularly plant immunity, pathogen exploitation of signal transduction, and host-pathogen interactions. He leads the Chair of Phytopathology at TUM since 2006, following academic roles at universities of Kiel and Hohenheim. Education: PhD (1999) and habilitation in molecular phytopathology (2005) from Justus Liebig University Giessen, after a biology degree at RWTH Aachen University. Awards: Julius Kühn Prize (2004) and leadership of a DFG Junior Research Group (2002-2006). His research spans plant immunity at cellular and molecular levels, including studies on receptor kinases (e.g., MIK2, LORE), RAC GTPases (e.g., RACB), and metabolomics-driven insights into pathogen resistance. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, examining topics like fungal toxins, volatile signaling, and crop disease management. Key publications include work on Arabidopsis immune receptors, barley powdery mildew susceptibility factors, and Fusarium head blight resistance. Research integrates genetics, proteomics, and metabolomics to advance disease-resistant crop development. His lab investigates host-pathogen interactions across scales—from molecular signaling to field epidemiology—contributing to sustainable agricultural strategies against plant pathogens.

Linda J. HarrisView profile

Professor

• Microbial Food Safety
• Food Microbiology
• Pathogen Contamination
• +3 more

Linda J. Harris, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Microbial Food Safety at the University of California, Davis, within the Department of Food Science and Technology. She served as Department Chair from 2016 to 2021. Her research focuses on microbial food safety, particularly in fresh produce and tree nuts, emphasizing pathogen behavior, antimicrobial treatments, and standard microbiological methods validation. She collaborates with food producers, processors, and government agencies to address food safety challenges. Dr. Harris earned her Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University in 1991. Her work integrates laboratory studies with extension activities to ensure practical applications in food safety. Key areas include evaluating pathogen survival on produce, developing sanitation protocols, and assessing risks associated with low-moisture foods. Her research trends highlight advancements in pathogen detection (e.g., MALDI-TOF technology), contamination prevention in postharvest handling, and consumer practices affecting food safety (e.g., homemade nut-based products). Recent articles address Salmonella and Listeria survival on produce, irrigation impacts on pathogens, and validation of pathogen reduction processes. Awards: 2021 AAAS Fellow 2018 Institute of Food Technologists Fellow 2004 Elmer Marth Educator Award Her advising and grants focus on low-moisture food safety, extension education, and industry partnerships. She leads initiatives like the Scientific Integrity Consortium and collaborates on national food safety guidelines. Dr. Harris is affiliated with the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at UC Davis.

• Microbiome
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• Environmental Microbiology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Schloter serves as Director of the Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis at Helmholtz Munich since 2011 and holds a Professorship in Microbiology at the Technical University of Munich since 2010. He concurrently acts as Principal Investigator at both the German Center for Lung Diseases (DZL) and the Central for Food and Nutrition (ZIEL) at TU Munich, driving interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environmental and human health through the "Planetary Health" framework. His educational foundation was built through diploma studies at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich and doctoral research at the University of Bayreuth, followed by formative work in Brazil and the United States where he pioneered bioinocula development for stress-resilient agriculture. At Helmholtz Munich (formerly GSF), he evolved from group leader in soil microbial ecology (2001) to Research Unit Director, expanding his focus from agricultural systems to human microbiome-health connections. Dr. Schloter's research program centers on microbiome-host crosstalk across ecological scales, investigating how environmental microbiota interact with human and plant microbiomes to influence health outcomes. His work integrates ecological theory with microbiome analysis to decode host-microbe co-evolution patterns, with applications spanning sustainable agriculture, allergy prevention, and infection control. Key thematic pillars include holobiont theory, probiotic development, and microbiome-mediated disease prevention through environmental quality improvement. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals a strategic research portfolio bridging fundamental and applied microbiome science. Agricultural studies dominate (maize, potato, apple systems), examining microbial inoculants and soil management, while human health investigations explore preterm birth complications and Antarctic mammal microbiomes. Computational approaches for antimicrobial resistance assessment and ecosystem-scale projects like JenaTron demonstrate methodological breadth, all converging on translating microbiome functionality into real-world sustainability solutions. Major recognitions include: Election to the Bavarian Academy of Science (2021) Consistent placement among the top 1% of highly cited global researchers (2019-2021) Heinrich Baur Research Award (2011) for agricultural microbiology contributions As Research Unit Director, Schloter leads large-scale collaborative initiatives including the DZL and ZIEL consortia, securing major funding for microbiome standardization projects and international research networks. His leadership extends to developing analytical frameworks for cross-ecosystem microbiome comparisons and establishing protocols for translating microbial ecology principles into clinical and agricultural applications. The Comparative Microbiome Analysis unit operates as a nexus for multi-host microbiome research, employing comparative genomics, field-scale agricultural trials, and clinical cohort studies to investigate microbiome dynamics across environmental, plant, and human systems. Current infrastructure includes advanced sequencing facilities and experimental platforms for plant-microbe and host-microbe interaction studies under controlled and natural conditions.

John MarkhamView profile

Professor

• Community ecology
• Symbiotic nitrogen fixation
• Ecosystem engineers
• +3 more

John Markham is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba. His office is located in W481 Duff Roblin Building, and he can be contacted via email at John.Markham@umanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-474-7180. His research focuses on: Community ecology in northern ecosystems Symbiotic nitrogen fixation processes Ecosystem engineering mechanisms Arctic and boreal forest dynamics Plant-soil-animal interactions Environmental stressor impacts on nutrient cycling Professor Markham's work centers on how biotic interactions shape subarctic and boreal environments, particularly through the lens of nitrogen-fixing plants and animal-mediated ecosystem engineering. His research demonstrates how Arctic foxes create nutrient hotspots via denning that enhance plant productivity and diversity in tundra ecosystems, while his studies on actinorhizal plants (especially alders) reveal complex responses to salinity, temperature, moisture, and elevated CO2 levels. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) shows consistent emphasis on Arctic fox ecosystem engineering impacts on forest dynamics, nitrogen fixation symbiosis under environmental stressors, and landscape-scale nutrient cycling. His work integrates field experiments across Canadian sites with remote sensing and biogeochemical analyses, revealing how animal activities and microbial symbioses drive ecosystem resilience in northern environments facing climate change.

• Ecology
• Plant Ecology
• Biosystematics
• +3 more

Martti Vasar is a Research Fellow in Ecoinformatics at the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu. He holds a Doctor's Degree (2020) and Master's Degree (2012) from the University of Tartu, specializing in ecology and computer science. His research focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, soil biodiversity, and bioinformatics, with a strong emphasis on understanding microbial interactions and their ecological implications in agricultural and natural systems. Education: PhD (2014–2020): Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu Master's (2010–2012): Infotechnology, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Tartu Bachelor's (2006–2010): Infotechnology, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Tartu Research interests include plant-microbe symbiosis, soil microbial communities, and the application of bioinformatics tools for analyzing fungal diversity. His work spans global soil microbiomes, agricultural land use impacts, and ecological restoration strategies. Vasar co-supervises students like Roland Lehemets in projects related to regenerative agriculture and soil biota. Key projects include Agroecology and new crops in future climates (2024–2030) and Plant-microbial mutualisms in dynamic ecosystems (2021–2025). Over 40 publications reflect his contributions to understanding mycorrhizal networks, soil health, and biodiversity.

• Ecological Restoration
• Microbial Ecology
• Soil Health
• +12 more

Professor Jim Harris is a leading academic in Environmental Technology at Cranfield Environment Centre, Cranfield University. He holds the Chair in Environmental Technology, a position he has held since 2002. His work spans microbial ecology, ecological restoration, soil health, and sustainable land systems, with significant contributions to policy, industry, and international standards. First degree in Applied Biology, North East London Polytechnic Doctoral work on microbiology of stored topsoil on opencast mine sites His research interests are centered on microbial ecology and its role in ecosystem processes, particularly in disturbed landscapes. He investigates soil formation, organic matter dynamics, waste treatment (e.g., landfill leachate), and the quantitative assessment of ecosystem services. He applies systems ecology to urban planning, water treatment, and land restoration. His work bridges science and practice, influencing government policy and industrial applications. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on soil health quantification , microbial community dynamics , nutrient cycling in waste-amended soils , and urban ecosystem services . There is a clear trend toward integrating Bayesian modelling , resilience metrics , and decision-support tools for environmental management. His team frequently collaborates on interdisciplinary studies involving carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in agricultural and urban systems. Jim Harris has secured funding from major UK research councils including BBSRC, NERC, and EPSRC, as well as from government agencies (Defra, Environment Agency, Natural England), industry (Syngenta, AECOM, SITA), and international bodies (European Union, Royal Society). His research has informed national and international guidance on ecological restoration and land use. He is actively involved in professional societies such as the Society for Ecological Restoration, British Society of Soil Science, British Ecological Society, and Institution of Agricultural Engineers. He has contributed to major book publications and editorial roles in high-impact journals. His laboratory and research group focus on soil microbial communities , ecosystem resilience , and bioremediation . Projects like RestREco (Restoring Resilient Ecosystems) and Urban BESS (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability) highlight his team’s focus on reconnecting green-blue infrastructure and enhancing urban sustainability. He also leads work on food and nutrition security in the context of global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tim RogersView profile

Professor

• Stochastic Processes
• Random Matrix Theory
• Collective Behavior
• +4 more

Professor Tim Rogers is affiliated with the University of Bath as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematical Sciences . He is actively involved in research spanning complex systems, network theory, and stochastic processes. PhD in Random Matrix Theory from King's College London (2010) His research focuses on emergent behavior in random systems , including: Collective Behavior : Crowd dynamics, lane formation, and noise-enhanced synchronization Epidemics & Networks : Spread prediction, node risk assessment, and misinformation impacts Ecology & Evolution : Trait emergence, species boundaries, and demographic noise effects Random Matrix Theory : Spectral analysis and applications to complex systems Publication trends reflect interdisciplinary work bridging Physics, Biology, and Mathematics , with a focus on network structures , stochastic modeling , and emergence phenomena . Scientific awards include: 2015 : Editor's Choice for Europhys. Lett. 109, 28005 2016 : Highlight of Journal of Physics A 2017 : Editor's Suggestion for Phys. Rev. E 92, 032708 He has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs on projects related to stochastic dynamics , network modeling , and mathematical biology , with ongoing grants from agencies like EPSRC and The Leverhulme Trust .

• Coral reef ecology
• Climate change adaptation
• Coral reef restoration
• +4 more

Dr. David Abrego is a Senior Lecturer at the National Marine Science Centre within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University. His marine ecology research focuses on coral responses to climate change, contributing directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals for ocean conservation and climate action across the Indo-Pacific region. His academic credentials include: PhD in Marine Science from James Cook University Master of Applied Science from James Cook University Bachelor of Science from University of California, Santa Barbara Abrego's research program investigates coral resilience through three interconnected pillars: early life history processes (recruitment, settlement, symbiosis establishment), environmental stress tolerance mechanisms (thermal adaptation, bleaching resistance), and restoration applications (symbiont engineering, marginal environment characterization). His multidisciplinary approach integrates field ecology with molecular techniques including genetics, photo-physiology, and selective breeding to develop practical conservation strategies for warming oceans. Current projects specifically examine how coral-microalgal symbioses can be harnessed to accelerate reef recovery and identify thermally tolerant corals in extreme environments. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant research trajectory toward assisted evolution and symbiosis-based restoration , with 60% of articles focusing on thermal tolerance mechanisms and symbiont manipulation. Geographic scope spans Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Japanese Okinawa reefs, and Persian Gulf ecosystems, highlighting comparative adaptation studies in naturally extreme environments. Methodologically, his work increasingly incorporates advanced technologies like drone-based monitoring and deep learning for reef assessment alongside traditional laboratory husbandry techniques. Abrego actively mentors higher degree research students through Southern Cross University's marine science programs and maintains international collaborations across Australia, Japan, and the UAE. His teaching portfolio includes coordinating the Bachelor of Marine Science and Management program and delivering specialized courses in coral biology, ecology, and global environmental systems. Based at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, Abrego leads a research group focused on translating laboratory findings into field applications for reef restoration. Current initiatives include developing symbiont-inoculation protocols for coral nurseries and establishing long-term monitoring sites in marginal reef environments to track climate adaptation in real time.

Manish N. RaizadaView profile

Professor

• Plant Microbiome
• Crop Probiotics
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +4 more

Manish N. Raizada is a Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College, serving as International Relations Officer. His research spans fundamental and applied studies in crop probiotics and sustainable agriculture for small-scale farmers. His research focuses on three core projects: (1) Plant Microbiome Inheritance, where his lab discovered seed-borne microbiomes and pollen microbiome selection; (2) Evolving Bacteria for Farmers, developing nodule-crushing techniques for legume inoculation; and (3) Empowering Small Scale Farmers through Sustainable Agriculture Kits (SAKs) impacting 272,000 people. His work integrates microbial ecology with practical farming solutions, emphasizing indigenous knowledge systems and democratization of agricultural technologies. Raizada's publications reveal strong trends in plant-microbe interactions (particularly maize and legumes), sustainable intensification for smallholders, and microbiome engineering for pathogen resistance. His work spans agricultural science, microbiology, and development studies with emphasis on real-world implementation in Nepal, Haiti, and Africa. He actively mentors graduate students and postdocs, with alumni securing faculty positions globally. His lab has developed practical resources including Farmpedia (an online encyclopedia for small-scale farmers in 108 languages) and SAKBooks (picture-based agricultural lessons). Raizada collaborates extensively with international organizations including UN FAO (where he's delivered keynote addresses), IFA, and CGIAR. His work has been featured in BBC World Service, CBC Radio, and Canadian Geographic, demonstrating significant policy and public impact.

Per Erik SarisView profile

Professor

• Food Microbiology
• Probiotic Research
• Fermentation Technology
• +3 more

Per Erik Saris is a Professor at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki. His research spans microbiology, food biotechnology, and functional food development. Research focuses on microbial applications in food systems including probiotic and postbiotic development, fermentation processes, bioactive compound production, and food safety innovations. Key areas include bacteriocin applications, microbial genomics, and sustainable food processing. Recent publications demonstrate advancements in functional foods, novel fermentation techniques, and microbiome interactions with human health. Research integrates microbiology with food science and biotechnology principles. Ongoing projects include Parkinson's microbiome interactions, cereal-based fermented foods for nutrition enhancement, and spray-drying stabilization techniques for probiotics.

• aboveground-belowground interactions
• soil microbiome
• plant-insect interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Martijn Bezemer is a Professor of Ecology of Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions at Leiden University's Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Department of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how plants influence soil biota and how these changes affect subsequent plant growth and insect interactions. Key areas include grassland ecosystems, horticultural soils, and soil microbiome applications in restoration and agriculture. He leads a team of PhD students and postdocs conducting experiments in greenhouses, growth chambers, and field settings. Current projects include TRIPS (Thrips Reduction In Production Systems), Self Defense (mimicking plant defense mechanisms), and Soils2Guts (soil microbiome health impacts). Collaborations with restoration practitioners aim to enhance grassland biodiversity through soil inoculation and plant-driven soil improvements. Recent work includes studies on blue-green roof vegetation dynamics, plant community legacy effects on decomposition, and steering crop microbiomes via soil feedback principles. His research bridges fundamental ecology with applied solutions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration.

• Vegetable Breeding
• Plant Biotechnology
• Molecular Marker-Assisted Selection
• +3 more

Ayşe Nur Şavkan serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University's Faculty of Agriculture since 2025, following her tenure as Lecturer (2020-2025) at the same institution. Her academic foundation includes a PhD (2018-2023), MSc (2015-2018), and BSc (2011-2015) in Horticulture from Selçuk University, establishing her expertise in vegetable crop improvement. Her educational qualifications: PhD in Horticulture, Selçuk University (2018-2023) MSc in Horticulture, Selçuk University (2015-2018) BSc in Horticulture, Selçuk University (2011-2015) Dr. Şavkan's research integrates molecular biotechnology with traditional breeding to enhance vegetable crops' resilience. She specializes in developing stress-tolerant genotypes through molecular marker-assisted selection, with particular emphasis on salinity and cold tolerance in peppers and squash. Her work bridges laboratory techniques with field applications to address climate-related agricultural challenges, focusing on both morphological characterization and physiological mechanisms of stress adaptation. Analysis of her 14 publications (2020-2025) reveals consistent thematic progression in vegetable breeding. Early work established foundational knowledge in dihaploidization techniques for squash, while recent studies demonstrate sophisticated integration of machine learning for germination analysis and molecular screening for dual virus resistance in peppers. Her research trajectory shows increasing methodological complexity—from basic morphological characterization to multi-omics approaches—while maintaining focus on practical crop improvement for Turkish agriculture. Dr. Şavkan has not received documented scientific awards to date. Her research leadership is evidenced through principal investigatorship of a current Kırşehir Ahi Evran University project (2025-2026) investigating low-temperature pepper germination using machine learning. As co-investigator, she has contributed to nine additional projects including TÜBİTAK-funded initiatives on salt-tolerant pepper development and virus-resistant vegetable breeding, demonstrating sustained research productivity. She operates within a robust collaborative network centered at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, with particularly strong partnerships with Önder Türkmen (13 joint publications) and Ayşe Çandar (7 collaborations). This interdisciplinary team combines expertise in molecular biology, plant physiology, and field horticulture to address complex agricultural challenges through integrated research approaches.