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Sian-eleri OwensView profile

Lecturer

• Cell Biology
• Pore-Forming Toxins
• Pathogen Tolerance
• +3 more

Dr Sian-eleri Owens is a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Swansea University Medical School, with a focus on Blood Sciences and Immunohaematology. Fluent in Welsh and English, she teaches courses such as cell biology and laboratory skills. Her research investigates enhancing innate defenses against pathogens, particularly mechanisms involving pore-forming toxins and cellular protection. She holds a BSc from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff and a PhD from Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Education: BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science, University of Wales Institute Cardiff; PhD in Myosin Light Chain-Dependent Modulation of Tight Junctions, Cardiff University School of Pharmacy. Research Interests: Cell biology, pathogen tolerance, and innate immune responses. Her work explores glucocorticoids, oxysterols, and bisphosphonates as protective agents against pore-forming toxins from bacteria. Collaborations include the National Botanic Garden of Wales for bilingual science outreach. Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Communications Biology, Frontiers in Immunology, and The FASEB Journal, focusing on cellular protection mechanisms and antimicrobial defense strategies. Supervision: Currently advising a PhD student on cholesterol-dependent cytolysin protection mechanisms, co-supervised with Dr James Cronin. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Institute of Life Science at Swansea University, contributing to interdisciplinary research in biomedical defense mechanisms.

Edmond SanganyadoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Toxicology
• Chemical Contaminants
• Environmental Chemistry
• +2 more

Dr. Edmond Sanganyado is an Assistant Professor in Forensic Science at Northumbria University's Department of Applied Sciences. He holds a B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Riverside, where he was a Fulbright Fellow. His research focuses on assessing the fate, transport, and toxicity of emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems through advanced analytical techniques and molecular biology approaches. Education includes: PGCHE, Northumbria University (2022-2024) PGCHE, Falmouth University (2018) Ph.D. Environmental Toxicology, University of California (2016) B.Sc. Applied Chemistry, National University of Science and Technology (2008) His primary research investigates how chemical contaminants impact environmental and human health, with focus areas including: Environmental fate and transport of contaminants Bioaccumulation in marine mammals Organic contaminant analysis methods Risk mitigation strategies Chemical exposure health effects Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on environmental pollution analysis, health implications of contaminants, and innovative detection methodologies. Research trends show increasing emphasis on microplastics, antibiotic resistance, and interdisciplinary approaches to environmental toxicology. Awards and honors: IES Fellowship (2021) Periodic Table of Younger Chemists Award (2018) GYA Travel Award (2024) CSFS Autumn Conference Bursary (2023) Vitae International Researcher Development Conference Bursary (2023) Dr. Sanganyado leads international collaborations including the EU-funded CoARA TIER project and serves as editor for Discover Toxicology and FSI: Animals and Environments. He mentors students through his role accepting PhD candidates and has held prior positions as Professor at Shantou University. Laboratory activities focus on environmental contaminant analysis, with specialized equipment for organic contaminant detection. His research team investigates chemodynamics, bioaccumulation mechanisms, and adverse health effects in aquatic ecosystems through field studies and laboratory simulations.

Fahim RazaView profile

Research Fellow

• Veterinary Science
• Apiculture
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Fahim Raza is a Research Fellow in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on honeybee health, microbial pathogen detection, and innovative methods for managing bee diseases. Supervised by Dr. Elemir Simko, he investigates American foulbrood and European foulbrood diseases, antibiotic resistance in bee pathogens, and the application of artificial diets in Apis mellifera studies. His research integrates microbiological techniques with environmental and nutritional studies, addressing challenges in beekeeping and agricultural pest control. Notable projects include developing sampling methods for Paenibacillus larvae detection, evaluating the impact of oxalic acid on honeybee colonies, and exploring honeybees as models for neurodevelopmental disorders like Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Raza’s work spans entomopathogenic fungi for pest control, gut microbiota roles in insect stress resistance, and the molecular mechanisms underlying Tephritidae fruit fly biology. His contributions advance both veterinary science and sustainable agricultural practices. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to bee health, including diagnostic methodologies, antibiotic efficacy assessments, and biocontrol strategies for insects like Diaphorina citri. His research bridges laboratory studies with field applications, emphasizing practical solutions for global apiculture challenges.

Elhem YacoubView profile

Research Fellow

• Mycoplasma Pathogenesis
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Comparative Genomics
• +3 more

Elhem Yacoub is a Research Fellow in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on mycoplasma pathogens, particularly in bovine respiratory disease and their oncogenic potential. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Tunis El Manar and Pasteur Institute of Tunis (2017), with prior degrees in Microbiology and Life Sciences. Education: Ph.D. Biology, University of Tunis El Manar — Pasteur Institute of Tunis (2017) M.Sc. Microbiology, University of Tunis El Manar — Pasteur Institute of Tunis (2011) B.Sc. Life Sciences — Biotechnology, University of Tunis El Manar (2008) Research Interests: Dr. Yacoub specializes in mycoplasma pathogenesis, including diagnostic techniques, functional genomics, and host specificity. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms behind mycoplasma virulence and their potential role in cancer. Current projects at the University of Saskatchewan investigate Mycoplasma bovis interactions with bovine cells and resistome dynamics in cattle pathogens. Publications: Her work spans mycoplasma genomics, oncogenic associations, and diagnostic tool development. Key themes include comparative genomics of pathogenic strains and molecular detection of urogenital mycoplasmas in prostate cancer cases. Awards: Doctoral School Fellowship, University of Tunis El Manar (2019) MobiDoc PromESSE Fellowship (2020-2021) Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Mycoplasma's Laboratory at Institut Pasteur of Tunis and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Mosquito Control
• +4 more

Commander Tyler M. Sharp, Ph.D. , is an Assistant Professor Adjunct at the Yale School of Public Health , affiliated with the Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases department. He is an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , currently serving as CDC's liaison to the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard. Education: Ph.D., Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine (2010) B.S. (Honors), Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Guelph (2004) Research Interests: Dr. Sharp specializes in emerging infectious diseases , with a focus on dengue , Zika , chikungunya , and leptospirosis . His work spans vector-borne disease epidemiology , clinical pathogenesis , and public health interventions in tropical regions, particularly Puerto Rico and American Samoa. Scientific Awards: Juan Carlos Finlay Award (2019) - National Award Bailey K. Ashford Medal (2018) - American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Publications & Professional Engagement: Dr. Sharp has authored 29 peer-reviewed publications on dengue outbreak dynamics , Zika virus epidemiology , and mosquito-borne disease control . His work includes collaborations with institutions in Japan, Scotland, and the U.S. He has served in leadership roles during public health crises, including appointment as Chief of Medical Epidemiology at the White House Medical Unit (2020) and liaison to DoD (2024). Personal interests include international travel , SCUBA diving , and outdoor activities .

DeEtta MillsView profile

Associate Professor

• Forensic Microbiology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Canine Scent Detection
• +3 more

DeEtta Mills is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University (FIU). She also serves as Director of the International Forensic Research Institute. Her research focuses on functional metagenomics, canine scent detection for disease identification, and non-human DNA typing. She leads projects on microbial guilds in soil biogeochemical cycles and the application of forensic techniques to environmental and biological challenges. Mills has pioneered the use of detector canines for rapid identification of invasive fungal pathogens in trees, enhancing agricultural disease management. Her work integrates microbiology, analytical chemistry, and forensic science to address ecological and public health issues. Key research areas include: functional microbial community dynamics in ecosystems, scent-based disease detection in plants and humans, and DNA profiling methodologies. She has developed innovative tools like the Venturi vacuum device for biological sample collection and advancements in resolving complex DNA mixtures using F-108 polymer technology. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental science and forensic applications, with notable contributions to postmortem interval estimation through microbial succession studies. Mills has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2001, covering topics from coral disease microbiology to UV therapy studies in HIV patients. She holds grants such as the 2004 ADVANCE Fellows Award for microbial community research. Her lab collaborates with institutions worldwide on projects like the Agri-dogs initiative for laurel wilt detection and molecular probes for coral pathogens. Current efforts emphasize leveraging canine scent capabilities and volatile organic compound analysis for early disease detection in both plants and humans.

Frank ChaplenView profile

Associate Professor

• Soil Nitrification Processes
• Metabolic Engineering
• Microbial/Surface Interactions
• +4 more

Frank Chaplen is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University's Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering (0.75 FTE) with a focus on metabolic engineering, soil nitrification processes, and microbial interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University. His research explores biogeochemical cycles, microbial systems, and bioenergy production, funded by the NSF, DOE, and ONAMI/ARL-DOD. He has advised students like Elsie Weisshaar and Adnan Morkoc and teaches courses in metabolic systems engineering and bioengineering principles. Awards include the Engelbrecht Young Faculty Award (2001) and NIH Biotechnology Training Grant (1990–1993). Research emphasizes nitrifying bacteria dynamics, biofilm formation on nanomaterials, and optimizing microbial systems for biofuel production. His work integrates computational modeling, transcriptomics, and experimental design, published in journals like Frontiers in Microbiology and Biosensors and Bioelectronics . Current projects include denitrifying woodchip bioreactors and systems-level analysis of microbial co-cultures. Chaplen collaborates widely, including with the ARL-ONAMI Center and Portland State University's physics department.

• Food Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Biotechnology
• +3 more

Dr. Hue Luu Thi is an Associate Lecturer at Curtin University’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her work focuses on food microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental applications of biological materials. She has contributed to research on microbial safety in food systems, antimicrobial agents derived from essential oils, and sustainable utilization of agricultural waste for biomaterials. Her studies often bridge laboratory research with practical applications in food safety, cosmetic preservation, and renewable energy. Research interests include: Development of natural antimicrobial solutions for food and cosmetic industries Biogas production from pineapple waste Kinetic analysis of microbial spore inactivation Material synthesis from renewable resources Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, with recent trends in: Food safety protocols in institutional settings Essential oil efficacy against foodborne pathogens Optimization of anaerobic digestion processes Material characterization of cellulose-based composites

Shayan SharifView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Avian Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Shayan Sharif is the Interim Vice-President (Research & Innovation) at the University of Guelph, serving since August 2024. He concurrently holds roles as a Professor of Immunology and Interim Associate Vice-President (Research, Agri-Food Partnership), overseeing the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) partnership—the university’s largest research collaboration. His leadership includes managing research programs, training initiatives, and agri-food centers such as those at the Ridgetown Campus, while fostering public-private partnerships. His research focuses on poultry diseases, particularly avian influenza and necrotic enteritis, emphasizing vaccine development and probiotic interventions. He led the Poultry Health Research Network and pioneered a translational health initiative bridging veterinary and human medicine. Sharif became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2022. Research Interests: Dr. Sharif’s work spans immunology, avian disease control, and translational medicine. He investigates host-microbiota interactions, vaccine efficacy, and the application of AI in agri-food systems. His studies on probiotics and TLR ligands highlight strategies to combat poultry pathogens. Key Contributions: His publications address avian influenza surveillance via social media, probiotic-mediated immunity, and mRNA vaccine design for poultry. He advocates for antibiotic alternatives and interdisciplinary research to enhance global food security and public health.

Connie J GebhartView profile

Professor

• Veterinary Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• +7 more

Connie J Gebhart is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on host-pathogen interface biology, microbiome dynamics, and antibiotic resistance, particularly in veterinary contexts involving swine and equine infectious diseases. Her research interests center on bacterial pathogens such as Lawsonia intracellularis and Streptococcus suis , with emphasis on pathogenesis, virulence mechanisms, diagnostics, and vaccine impacts. She investigates proliferative enteropathy in pigs and foals, co-infections, gut microbiome alterations, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Her work integrates molecular biology, genomics, immunology, and epidemiology to improve animal health and disease control. The trends in her recent publications highlight a sustained focus on Lawsonia intracellularis and Streptococcus suis , with increasing use of genomic and metagenomic approaches, diagnostic assay development (e.g., MALDI-TOF MS), and exploration of host immune responses and microbiome interactions. Her research bridges basic science with practical applications in livestock health and food safety. Scientific contributions and leadership are evident through her role as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on 18 funded projects from agencies such as the USDA and industry boards like the National Pork Board and Boehringer Ingelheim. She has contributed to major reference works and published over 136 research outputs, including articles, reviews, and book chapters. Dr. Gebhart has advised numerous collaborators and junior researchers, particularly in projects involving swine diseases and bacterial pathogenesis. Her grants have supported studies on pathogen transmission, vaccine efficacy, and novel diagnostic tools. She leads research teams that include postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and veterinary researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in veterinary microbiology and infectious disease. She is actively involved in laboratory-based research focusing on bacterial culture, molecular characterization, host-cell interaction assays, and microbiome analysis. Her team collaborates extensively within the University of Minnesota and with external partners in industry and government, contributing to a robust network in veterinary infectious disease research.

• Plant Physiology
• Viticulture
• Fruit Quality
• +5 more

Michaela Griesser is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Viticulture and Pomology , part of the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her research focuses on plant physiology, grapevine stress responses, and ecosystem services in vineyards, particularly the physiological ripening disorder berry shrivel . Current affiliations: Institute of Viticulture and Pomology , BOKU Research areas: Grapevine physiology, biotic-abiotic stress interactions, soil health, climate change adaptation Her work spans molecular biology, ecological interactions, and applied viticulture practices. Recent studies investigate nutrient uptake in grapevine rootstocks under stress and soil microbial communities influenced by vineyard management. She employs hyperspectral imaging and metabolomics to understand plant responses. Scientific awards include the Josef Pleil Preis (2019) and Schlumberger Forschungspreis (2017). She serves as a reviewer for journals such as Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment and Frontiers in Plant Science , contributing to peer review and scientific panels.

Adel TalaatView profile

Professor

• Vaccine Development
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Genomics
• +9 more

Adel Talaat is a Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with joint affiliation in the Department of Bacteriology. He leads the Talaat Lab, which is dedicated to innovative research in vaccine development and microbial pathogenesis, particularly targeting Mycobacterium species and coronaviruses. His work bridges human and animal health, focusing on tuberculosis, paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease), and emerging viral threats like SARS-CoV-2. His research interests are centered on: Vaccine Development: Designing novel plasmid DNA and RNA-based nanovaccines. Functional Genomics: Investigating gene expression and regulation in M. tuberculosis and M. avium during infection. Host-Pathogen Interactions: Understanding immune responses to bacterial and viral infections using single-cell and genomic analyses. Molecular Diagnostics: Developing biomarkers for early detection of mycobacterial infections. The recent articles from Dr. Talaat’s lab highlight a strong trend in nucleic acid vaccine platforms, particularly RNA and DNA vaccines against avian and human coronaviruses, as well as mycobacterial pathogens. His work increasingly integrates systems biology approaches to map transcriptional dynamics during infection, offering insights into persistence and immune evasion. These studies span both human and veterinary contexts, reflecting a One Health approach. Scientific contributions and patents include: Immunogenic compositions against tuberculosis Vaccine candidates for Johne’s disease Global gene regulators as vaccine targets Biomarkers for early mycobacterial diagnosis Novel adjuvants for human and animal vaccines Neutralizing vaccines against coronaviruses Universal vaccine against multiple avian pathogens Dr. Talaat actively mentors undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees in his lab, fostering hands-on research in vaccine design and genomic technologies. While specific grant details are not listed, his sustained publication output and patent portfolio suggest robust funding support. His lab collaborates widely, particularly in veterinary and infectious disease research. The Talaat Lab serves as a dynamic research hub within the Microbial Sciences Building, equipped for advanced studies in microbial genomics, immunology, and vaccine development. It maintains strong ties with both the School of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Medicine and Public Health, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration.

Chris CreeveyView profile

Professor

• Computational Biology
• Microbial Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +2 more

Professor Chris Creevey is a faculty member at the School of Biological Sciences , Queen's University Belfast. His research focuses on Computational Biology with emphasis on Ecological and Evolutionary Principles applied to Microbial Communities in animal hosts ranging from ruminants to poison frogs. His research group integrates bioinformatic analyses with in vitro and in vivo experiments via collaborations, prioritizing the development of open-source computational approaches for evolutionary analyses and microbial community organization. He welcomes PhD applicants with backgrounds in biology or computational disciplines. The group's scientific trends span Antimicrobial Resistance , Rumen Microbiome , Metagenomics , Computational Epidemiology , Phylogenetics , and Microbial Functionality in diverse ecosystems.

Etienne KornobisView profile

Researcher

• Bioinformatics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Transcriptomics
• +8 more

Etienne Kornobis is a bioinformatician and researcher at the Institut Pasteur , affiliated with the Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub . He obtained his PhD in Biology from the University of Reykjavik in 2011 and has held postdoctoral positions in Spain before joining the Institut Pasteur in 2016. He became a member of the Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub in 2018, where he continues his work on transcriptomics and bioinformatics methodology. His research interests include bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, transcriptomics, population genetics, RNA splicing, genome analysis, reproducible research, workflow development, long-read sequencing, alternative splicing, and microbial genomics . His work emphasizes computational methods for analyzing complex biological data, particularly in non-model organisms and microbial systems. The recent publications of Etienne Kornobis span a broad range of topics in genomics and molecular biology, with a strong trend toward transcriptomic analysis, host-pathogen interactions, microbial genomics, and methodological development in bioinformatics . His work frequently involves high-throughput sequencing, alternative splicing, and data reproducibility, reflecting his expertise in computational biology and systems-level analysis. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Etienne Kornobis is actively involved in research mentoring and collaborative projects. He leads the Bioconda project and contributes to Bioconvert , both critical tools for bioinformatics software distribution and data format conversion. He has also taught courses on reproducible data analysis and Software Carpentry , indicating a strong commitment to training and open science. There is no mention of formal student advising or grant leadership in the text provided. Labs and Teams: Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub (current) Revive Consortium (past) Epigenetic Regulation unit (past) Expertise group: SysBio – Systems Bioinformatics (past) Biomics – Dry-Lab (past)

Tigga KingstonView profile

Professor

• Bat Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Speciation
• +16 more

Tigga Kingston is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. She leads the Kingston Lab , a research group dedicated to bat ecology, conservation, and One Health, with a geographic focus on Southeast Asia and Africa. She is actively involved in international collaborations, including the IUCN SSC Bat Specialist Group and GBatNet. PhD in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, Boston University (2001) MA in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, Boston University (1999) BSc(Hons) in Zoology, Royal Holloway University of London (1993) Her research focuses on bat diversity, speciation, community ecology, and conservation biology , particularly in tropical and fragmented ecosystems. She integrates molecular, acoustic, and ecological data to understand how habitat degradation, climate change, and human activities impact bat populations. Her work emphasizes One Health , examining pathogen spillover, antimicrobial resistance, and human-wildlife conflict. Recent publications (2024) highlight her leadership in field hygiene guidelines , online bat trade , rabies vaccination for researchers , and emotional responses to bats during the pandemic . Her research spans from molecular dietary analysis to global conservation policy. Ecological countermeasures to prevent zoonotic spillover Conservation of cave-roosting bats Impacts of land-use change on bat assemblages Integrative microbiome assembly in forest bats Human dimensions of bat conservation She has received awards including the Vernon Bailey Award , the Luis F. Bacardi Bat Conservation Award , and the second-best presenter award at an international bat conference. She has mentored numerous students and postdocs, many of whom have gone on to lead impactful research. Dr. Kingston is actively involved in grant-funded research (e.g., NSF), educational outreach (e.g., K-5 bat education programs), and capacity building for early-career researchers in Africa and Southeast Asia. She leads field workshops, develops conservation strategies, and promotes international collaboration in bat research. Her lab, the Kingston Lab , includes researchers working on projects in Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, and Myanmar. She collaborates with disease ecologists, geneticists, and policy experts to address pressing conservation challenges through multidisciplinary science.