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Macarena FarcuhView profile

Assistant Professor

• Fruit Quality Improvement
• Postharvest Physiology
• Plant Biology
• +6 more

Macarena Farcuh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research focuses on enhancing fruit quality, nutritional value, and shelf-life through systems biology, physiology, and molecular approaches. She aims to reduce postharvest waste and promote sustainable agriculture while improving consumer satisfaction. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Davis (2017): Horticulture and Agronomy M.S., University of Chile (2007): Agricultural Sciences (Fruit Production) B.S., University of Chile (2005): Agricultural Sciences (with Distinction) Research Interests: Her work integrates systems biology, sensory science, and biochemistry to study fruit ripening, ethylene regulation, and postharvest storage solutions. Key areas include optimizing apple and peach quality, reducing food waste, and developing sustainable horticultural practices. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize the use of reflective groundcovers, UV treatments, and genetic modifications to enhance fruit quality and mitigate pre/postharvest challenges. Studies often explore ethylene signaling pathways and their impact on pigmentation, shelf-life, and consumer preferences. Awards & Honors: Keller Pathway Fellowship Program Fellow (2016-2017) Trellis Fund Award (2014-2015) Henry A. Jastro Graduate Research Award (2012-2014) Best Student in Agricultural Sciences, University of Chile (2007) Advising & Grants: Her research has been supported by grants from the Horticulture Innovation Lab and UC Davis Child Institute. She collaborates with industry partners to bridge academic and commercial applications in fruit production. Labs/Teams: Leads the Fruit Quality Lab , focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to horticultural challenges.

Clint PenickView profile

Assistant Professor

• Insect Ecology
• Urban Ecology
• Biomimicry/Bio-inspired Design
• +3 more

Clint Penick is an Assistant Professor of Insect Ecology in the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology at Auburn University's College of Agriculture. His research focuses on understanding insect ecology and behavior, particularly in urban environments, and translating biological insights into engineering solutions through biomimicry. Key areas include ant diversity patterns, climate change impacts on arthropods, and bio-inspired material design. Penick's work integrates field ecology, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling. He explores how ants adapt to urbanization, investigates antimicrobial defenses in social insects, and studies structural properties of biological materials like cactus wood and marine sponges. His research bridges entomology with engineering, contributing to advancements in robotics, meta-materials, and sustainable design. Notable projects include studying the invasive 'ManhattAnt' (Lasius emarginatus) in NYC, developing motion compensators for insect-like robots (TOLC), and analyzing form-function relationships in natural structures like the Venus flower basket. He collaborates across disciplines, involving engineers, computer scientists, and artists to apply biological principles to human challenges. Penick advises graduate and undergraduate students in his research areas, though specific advisees are not listed here. His work has been supported by various grants and collaborations, though grant details are not explicitly provided in the text. He maintains an active lab focused on ecological and applied entomology projects.

Margaret T. MmbagaView profile

Research Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Integrated Disease Management
• Biological Control
• +3 more

Margaret T. Mmbaga is a Research Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at Tennessee State University's College of Agriculture. She joined the faculty in 1995 and has expertise in Plant Pathology, Integrated Disease Management, Biological Control, and Host Resistance. Her research focuses on fungal pathogens affecting crops like dogwood, beans, and ornamental plants, emphasizing sustainable disease control strategies. Dr. Mmbaga holds a B.Sc. in Botany/Zoology Education and an M.Sc. in Botany from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She teaches courses such as Principles of Plant Pathology and Plant Breeding. Her research contributions include identifying biological control agents for powdery mildew, developing disease-resistant crop varieties via molecular techniques, and evaluating biopesticides. She has authored over 47 refereed journal articles and 132 conference presentations. Notably, she received the 2009 Outstanding Research Faculty Award from Tennessee State University. Dr. Mmbaga has conducted extension work in West Asia and North Africa, training agricultural systems on legume disease management. Her work bridges molecular biology, field trials, and applied agricultural solutions to combat plant diseases.

Henry FadamiroView profile

Professor

• Insect behavior
• Chemical ecology
• Neurobiology
• +3 more

Henry Fadamiro is a Professor at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife. He holds administrative roles as Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and is part of AgriLife Extension/Research divisions. His expertise spans insect behavior, chemical ecology, neurobiology, biological control, and integrated pest management. He earned a BSc (First Class Honors in Biology) from Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and a PhD in Entomology from the University of Oxford. His research focuses on parasitoid biology, pest management strategies, and plant-insect-microbe interactions. Key projects involve optimizing biological control agents (e.g., Aprostocetus hagenowii), analyzing insect behavior via chemical cues, and developing sustainable pest control methods. Recent work highlights include 3D flight analysis of parasitoids, bacterial effects on insect larvae, and weather-driven pest emergence modeling. His articles emphasize parasitoid-host dynamics, chemical ecology applications, and agricultural biotechnology. He collaborates on projects addressing invasive species like the kudzu bug and explores plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for crop resilience. Grants and strategic initiatives under his leadership target translational research in agroecology and pest management.

Stephanie KuleszaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nutrient Management
• Animal Waste Management
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +3 more

Dr. Stephanie Kulesza is an Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University (NC State), specializing in nutrient management and animal waste research. She is affiliated with the Animal Waste Management Lab, focusing on optimizing the use of animal manures in North Carolina's diverse cropping systems. Her work emphasizes maximizing crop yield and quality while minimizing environmental impacts, particularly through nutrient management strategies. Dr. Kulesza serves on critical state committees: the Senate Bill 1217 Interagency Committee (regulatory guidance for animal waste) and the Interagency Nutrient Management Committee (technical guidance). She teaches the annual Nutrient Management Training, a five-day certification course required for technical specialists writing nutrient management plans in North Carolina. Her research spans manure utilization in crop rotations, optimal application rates, and environmental risk mitigation. Key areas include soil phosphorus dynamics, poultry litter effects on weed emergence, and ammonia volatilization from manure injection. Recent studies also address antibiotic fate in soils and swine/slurry waste management. Her publications highlight themes in sustainable agriculture, environmental chemistry, and precision farming. She collaborates on applied research to bridge agricultural practices and environmental stewardship in North Carolina's agroecosystems.

• Biological Control
• Integrated Pest Management
• Entomology
• +7 more

Maria Tatiana Pina Desfilis is a Professor at the Faculty of Teacher Training, Universitat de València, and an active researcher in agricultural and environmental sciences. She is affiliated with the Department of Experimental A and associated with the research groups GEOLIT (Literary Geographies) and Didactics of Experimental Sciences. She has also served as a Post-Doc at Universitat Jaume I de Castelló in Ciències Agràries i del Medi Natural. Her work bridges science education and applied entomology, particularly in sustainable citrus farming. PhD in Biological Sciences, Universitat de València (2007) Research focus: biological control, integrated pest management, soil ecology Current affiliation: Universitat de València Email: tatiana.pina@uv.es Her research centers on the biological control of key citrus pests such as Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite) and Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly). She investigates the impact of cover crops, pollen quality, and soil microorganisms on predator-prey dynamics and natural enemy efficacy. Her work includes evaluating acaricides and alternative control methods, such as petroleum-derived oils, and exploring molecular techniques like multiplex PCR to analyze gut contents of predatory mites. She also studies host adaptation in mite populations and the role of mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in plant-herbivore interactions. Her publications, primarily from 2001 to 2015, show a consistent focus on sustainable pest control in citrus agroecosystems. Key themes include the enhancement of phytoseiid mite communities, the side effects of chemical treatments on natural enemies, and ecological engineering for pest regulation. Her collaborative work with researchers like Helga Montón, G. Camañes, and Josep A. Jacas highlights her integration into a broader network of agricultural scientists. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided texts. She has contributed to advising and research projects related to pest management, though no formal list of students is available. Her work has been supported through institutional affiliations and collaborative research, particularly in integrated pest management programs in Spanish citrus orchards. She is involved in field surveys, semi-field experiments, and molecular ecological studies. Laboratories and Research Teams: Research group: 'didacies' – Research group in science education and science teacher training Research group: GEOLIT – Literary Geographies Former Post-Doc at Universitat Jaume I de Castelló Collaborative network in citrus pest management and biological control

• Entomology
• Microbiome
• Probiotics
• +2 more

Bregje Wertheim serves as Full Professor at the Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, specializing in insect-microbe symbiosis with particular focus on house flies, mosquitoes, and agricultural pests like Spotted Wing Drosophila. Her research centers on gut microbiome dynamics where she investigates how environmental stressors (notably high-sugar diets) disrupt probiotic communities in insect larvae. This work bridges Entomology and Microbial Ecology , revealing critical vulnerabilities in insect-microbe mutualisms with implications for biological pest control. Current projects examine mosquito ecology surveillance systems and microbiome-based interventions against invasive fruit fly species. Recent publications demonstrate her leadership in identifying diet-induced probiotic loss mechanisms in housefly models, establishing foundational knowledge for manipulating insect microbiomes in agricultural and public health contexts. Professor Wertheim actively supervises PhD candidate Alkema, J. on Spotted Wing Drosophila biocontrol research while co-leading the 'Mosquito Ecology and Surveillance' project through 2026, securing ongoing research funding for entomological applications of microbiome science. Based at the Laboratory of Entomology, her work integrates field ecology with molecular microbiology to develop novel pest management strategies grounded in microbial community dynamics.

Javier Gutierrez IllanView profile

Research Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• +3 more

Javier Gutierrez Illan is a Research Professor in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University. His academic career includes roles in conservation biology and ecological research, focusing on biodiversity responses to environmental changes, particularly climate change. He holds a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain, and has expertise in predictive modeling, species distribution, and pest management in agroecosystems. Education: Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain (2009) M.S., Conservation Biology, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain (2006) B.S., Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain (2003) Research interests center on biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts, and ecological modeling. His work addresses how species distributions shift in response to warming, with recent focus on predicting pest dynamics in the Pacific Northwest. He contributes to the Decision Aid System (DAS) group, developing tools to forecast pest effects on agriculture. Key research trends in his articles include invasive species management, soil microbiome analysis, and urban ecosystem functions. His studies highlight the interconnectedness of climate, land use, and biodiversity, emphasizing practical applications for sustainable agriculture and conservation. No scientific awards are listed. His work involves collaborations with academic and agricultural institutions, focusing on grants related to pest modeling and ecological forecasting. He participates in interdisciplinary teams like the DAS group, aiming to bridge ecological research with real-world agricultural challenges. Current projects target predictive models for invasive pests and soil health in urban and agricultural settings.

Bishwo MainaliView profile

Academic

• Biological Control
• Applied Insect Chemical Ecology
• Sustainable Pest Management
• +3 more

Bishwo Mainali is a Senior Research Fellow in Applied BioSciences at Macquarie University (2019–present). Previously held roles including Senior Research Officer at Macquarie University (2015–2019), Research Fellow at the National Institute of Crop Science in South Korea (2012–2015), and Research Assistant at Andong National University (2009–2012). Technical Officer at Nepal Agricultural Research Council (1998–2009). Education: PhD in Applied Entomology, Andong National University (2012) MS in Agricultural Biology, Andong National University (2008) BSc in Agriculture, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University (1998) Research Interests: Focus on biological control, applied insect chemical ecology, and sustainable pest management. Specializes in fruit flies (e.g., Queensland fruit fly), stink bugs, and development of benign pest control methods like traps and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Recent work includes optimizing larval diets, pheromone studies, and fungal biocontrol agents. Key Projects: Raising Qfly Sterile Insect Technique to World Standard (2015–ongoing) Enhancing fruit fly SIT via improved gel diets (2021–2026) Automated monitoring systems for crop pests (2024–2029) Media Contributions: Highlighted in press for pilot SIT programs reducing fruit fly populations in Australia (e.g., Cobram and Hillston initiatives). Labs/Teams: Collaborates on multidisciplinary teams addressing pest management challenges, including AI-driven monitoring and biological control strategies.

Carter WolffView profile

Assistant Professor

• Community Ecology
• Global Change Biology
• Climate Warming Effects
• +3 more

Dr. Carter Wolff is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Winthrop University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Biological Sciences from Mississippi State University, and a B.S. in Biology from Hope College. His research focuses on anthropogenic global change effects, particularly climate warming and sound pollution, examining their impacts on species interactions through consumer-resource dynamics in arthropod systems. Dr. Wolff has taught courses in Zoology, Ecology, and Biostatistics prior to his current position. His work emphasizes ecological methodologies, including nighttime warming experiments and acoustic pest management strategies. Though no specific awards are listed, his research demonstrates innovative approaches to understanding global change impacts on ecosystems. His advising and grant activities are not detailed in the provided materials, though his teaching and research indicate involvement in ecological education and field experimentation. No specific lab affiliations or collaborative teams are explicitly mentioned in the text.

• Sustainable Soil Management
• Agroecology
• Green Manures
• +7 more

Francis Rayns is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University. His research focuses on sustainable soil management, particularly the use of green manures, waste materials (compost, digestate, biochar), and alternatives to plastics in agriculture. He actively promotes citizen science to improve agricultural practices and has collaborated on projects addressing agroforestry, urban soil remediation, and plastic reduction in farming. Education: PhD in Biotechnology (Somatic embryogenesis) from De Montfort University and BSc in Applied Biology from University College North Wales. Notable projects include UNDERTREES (agroforestry ecosystem services), REPAS (citizen science for plastic reduction), and SOIL NEXUS (urban soil care). He leads research on peat-free growing media, crop rotation impacts, and biodegradable alternatives to plastics. Publications span topics like soil microbial health, biostimulant efficacy, and historical trends in crop mineral content. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solve agricultural challenges, blending environmental science with practical farming solutions.

• Forest Pathology
• Wood Microbiology
• Tree Defense Mechanisms
• +4 more

Robert A Blanchette is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, with research focusing on forest pathology, wood microbiology, and conservation of historic wood. His work spans tree defense mechanisms, biological control of pathogens, and fungal ecology in extreme environments. Education : PhD in Plant Pathology (Washington State University), MS in Forest Pathology (University of New Hampshire), BA in Biology/Botany (Merrimack College) Current research includes: Fungal interactions with invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer Antarctic and Arctic fungal biodiversity Archaeological wood conservation in Greenland Biological control of white-nose syndrome in bats Ganoderma species pathogenicity in forests Key projects are funded by the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, NSF, and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. Collaborations include the National Museum of Denmark and Center for Drug Design. Students and researchers in his group include Cristina Toapanta , Nick Rajtar , Sofia Simeto , Liam Genter , Davy DeKrey , Eric Otto , and Nazaret Ramirez .

Ahmed HamidView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Diagnostics
• +3 more

Dr. Ahmed Hamid serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University . A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (Ph.D., 2012) and Alexandria University (B.Sc., 2004), his career spans academia and industry, including senior roles at MOBILion Systems and postdoctoral work at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Purdue University. Ph.D. Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University B.Sc. Chemistry, Alexandria University, Egypt Research focuses on ion mobility mass spectrometry for clinical diagnostics (infectious diseases, Alzheimer’s biomarkers) and environmental analysis (pesticide detection). His group develops portable devices for non-expert users like nurses and farmers, aiming to reduce antibiotic resistance and foodborne illness through rapid pathogen identification. Key publications highlight isomer separation , pathogen discrimination , and multidimensional spectrometry (LC-IM-MS/MS). Recent patents cover ion mobility-mass spectrometer coupling and waveform control for structural analysis. Awards include 2024 Emerging Investigator , NIH MIRA , and multiple R&D 100 recognitions. 5+ granted patents 41 peer-reviewed publications 2025 Brian Wilson Award Teaching includes CHEM 7560: Mass Spectrometry and CHEM 3050: Analytical Chemistry . The Hamid Lab operates in Labs 273, 276, 279 of the Chemistry Building, mentoring postdocs, Ph.D. candidates, and undergraduates in advanced analytical techniques.

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• One Health
• Sensor Technology
• +7 more

Tina Kabelitz is a Researcher at the Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB) , leading the working group Infections and AMR in Farm Animals since September 2021. Her work integrates sensor technology, digitalization, and artificial intelligence to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock systems through a One Health approach. Education : PhD in Epigenetics of Plants (University of Potsdam, 2011-2015) MSc Molecular and Cellular Biology (University of Potsdam, 2009-2011) BSc Molecular Biology/Physiology (University of Potsdam, 2006-2009) Her research focuses on antimicrobial resistance dynamics in livestock, particularly through environmental pathways in pig and poultry farming. She investigates resilient housing design for biosecurity and animal welfare, microbiome changes in manure storage , and machine learning-based mastitis risk assessment using multisensor systems. Her projects include LeibnizLabPP (pandemic preparedness), AirBarn (bioaerosol AMR transmission), ENVIRE (AMR control in chicken systems), and AMR-PIG (AMR spread mechanisms). Recent publications analyze AMR gene dynamics in manure systems (2025), machine learning applications for mastitis prediction (2025), and environmental impacts of dairy farming mitigation strategies (2024). Her work emphasizes systemic solutions like anaerobic digestion plants and slurry injection techniques to reduce emissions.

• Wood Science
• Wood Modification
• Sustainable Materials
• +5 more

Dr. Christian Hansmann is a researcher at the Institut für Holztechnologie und Nachwachsende Rohstoffe , part of the Department für Biotechnologie und Lebensmittelwissenschaften at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . With a doctorate in wood technology (2004) and graduation in timber industry (2002), he has focused on wood modification, drying processes, and sustainable material applications. Education Doctorate, BOKU Vienna (2004) Graduation in Timber Industry (2002) His research explores wood science through innovations in wood drying , chemical modification , and bio-based composites . Notable projects include supercritical CO2-assisted impregnation, thermal insulation panels from agricultural byproducts, and eco-efficient hardwood utilization. He has supervised 15 university theses, including studies on wood laminates and bark beetle control. Recent publications highlight his work on wood modification techniques , with 15 articles from 2005–2025 covering topics like hydrophobic wood surfaces , dimensional stability , and flame-retardant treatments . Key methods include UV microscopy, siloxane treatments, and adhesive bonding analysis. Scientific Awards: tecnet Call 2009 'Eco-efficient Products' 1st Prize (2010) Dr. Wolfgang Houska Recognition Award (2009) Schweighofer Innovation Prize (2009) He has delivered 57 lectures across 15 countries, including presentations at SWST International Conventions and European Wood Modification Conferences . As a reviewer for journals like Wood Science and Technology and European Journal of Wood Products , he contributes to quality control in his field.