Find Academic Supervisors

Archana AnandView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Microbiology
• Environmental Health
• Wastewater Epidemiology
• +3 more

Archana Anand is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University (SFSU), joining in 2022. She holds a B.Eng from the National University of Singapore (2007), a PhD in Ecology & Biodiversity from the University of Hong Kong (2019), and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford University and Columbia University. Her laboratory focuses on environmental microbiology, particularly microbe-microbe interactions in environmental reservoirs such as soil, biofilms, and wastewater to safeguard human and environmental health against disease burdens. Research interests include environmental health, wastewater epidemiology, climate change ecology, and microbial ecology. Her work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and computational tools to address global change microbiology challenges. Recent projects explore antimicrobial resistance in wastewater, microplastic impacts on marine ecosystems, and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance through wastewater analysis. Publications emphasize wastewater-based epidemiology, microbial community dynamics, and environmental health implications. Her lab’s interdisciplinary approach bridges basic research with applied solutions for environmental and public health challenges. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but her active research portfolio indicates potential recognition in the field. Labs/Teams: The Anand Lab at Hensill Hall (offices 722; labs 727,732,734) focuses on global change microbiology, with ongoing projects in urbanized coastal ecosystems, oyster reef microbiomes, and wine terroir research. The lab website provides further details on current initiatives and collaborations.

Kathrin BuschView profile

Researcher

• Biological Oceanography
• Deep-Sea Ecology
• Microbial Communities
• +5 more

Kathrin Busch is a biological oceanographer conducting systems-oriented and interdisciplinary environmental research focused on cold and deep marine environments. Her work integrates ecological perspectives with advanced methodological approaches to study microbial communities within "deep-sea forests" formed by sponges and coral reefs. Research Interests: Ecosystem dynamics across spatial-temporal scales Matter fluxes and nutrient cycling Biodiversity assessments of marine microbiomes Abiotic-biotic interactions in extreme environments Biological networks and feedback mechanisms Connectivity in deep-sea ecosystems Methodological Expertise: In situ observational and experimental approaches Molecular ecology techniques Big data management and bioinformatics pipelines Integrative modeling frameworks Advanced data visualization "Digital ocean" technologies

Ian HewsonView profile

Professor

• Marine Microbiology
• Marine Ecology
• Biological Oceanography
• +4 more

Ian Hewson is a Professor of Microbiology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He specializes in marine virology, microbial ecology, and the impacts of pathogens on marine ecosystems. His research focuses on mass mortality events in marine organisms, such as the 2022 Caribbean sea urchin die-off (caused by a scuticociliate parasite) and North Pacific sea star wasting disease. Hewson directs undergraduate studies in Marine Biology and teaches courses on marine diseases and ocean studies. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Botany from the University of Queensland (2000) and a Ph.D. in Marine Environmental Biology from the University of Southern California (2005). Postdoctoral work at the University of California, Santa Cruz (2005–2008) preceded his tenure at Cornell. His lab, the Cornell Marine Mass Mortality Lab (CM3L), investigates the ecological and microbiological drivers of marine epidemics, emphasizing conservation-relevant outcomes. Key research interests include viral ecology in marine invertebrates, microbiome dynamics at animal-water interfaces, and the role of environmental stressors in disease emergence. Recent findings highlight the transglobal spread of parasites and the importance of ambient microbial communities in pathogen virulence. Hewson collaborates widely, contributing to efforts to combat marine biodiversity loss through ecosystem surveillance and disease mitigation strategies. Notable grants include funding from Cornell Atkinson to study ecological impacts of anthropogenic changes. His work has been featured in Science Advances and Annual Reviews in Marine Science , with a focus on viral and microbial drivers of marine ecosystem health.

Alex HolmanView profile

Research Fellow

• Organic Geochemistry
• Isotope Geochemistry
• Fossil Preservation
• +3 more

Dr. Alex Holman is a Research Fellow at the WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, Curtin University, within the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS). His roles include managing isotope ratio mass spectrometry (irMS) instruments and conducting molecular/isotopic analyses of fossil sites like the Rhynie Chert. He holds a PhD from Curtin University, focusing on the Paleoproterozoic 'Here’s Your Chance' deposit's organic geochemistry. Research interests span organic geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, fossil preservation mechanisms, and environmental applications such as food provenancing via stable isotopes. Key projects include analyzing the Permian-Triassic extinction event, petroleum exploration in WA, Brazil, and China, and assessing impacts of emissions on rock art. Publications span diverse topics including dinosaur diets, Devonian plant fossils, asteroid PAHs, and Eocene climate dynamics. Collaborations include industry, government, and international universities. Technical expertise includes pyrolysis, sulfur isotope analysis, and compound-specific isotope techniques.

Ariel GreinerView profile

Research Fellow

• Coral Reef Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Mathematical Ecology
• +4 more

Dr. Ariel Greiner is an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford and Pennsylvania State University, supervised by Dr. Katrina Davis and Dr. Katriona Shea. Her interdisciplinary research applies mathematical and statistical modeling to conservation challenges, with current focus on optimizing coral reef management in Melanesia through value-of-information frameworks and socioeconomic integration. Her academic foundation includes: PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Toronto (supervised by Dr. Martin Krkošek, Dr. Marie-Josêe Fortin, and Dr. Emily Darling) Bachelor of Science from McGill University (research with Dr. Andrew Gonzalez on ecosystem functioning debts and global genetic diversity patterns) Dr. Greiner's research centers on coral reef resilience under anthropogenic pressures, employing network theory and dynamical systems to model connectivity, regime shifts, and climate impacts. Her work bridges theoretical ecology with practical conservation, emphasizing equity in scientific practice. Recent publications demonstrate methodological innovation in state-space modeling, macrogenetics, and disease epidemiology while maintaining consistent focus on coral reef sustainability. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in coral reef dynamics (73% of works), with significant contributions to disease modeling (13%) and conservation genetics (13%). Temporal trends show increasing integration of socioeconomic factors since 2021, while mathematical approaches consistently emphasize network connectivity and stability analysis across all publications. Her accolades include: Excellence in Doctoral Research Award (Canadian Society of Ecology and Evolution) Harold H. Harvey Prize for Academic Leadership NSERC Doctoral Scholarship NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship Supported by NSERC funding throughout her career, Dr. Greiner has collaborated extensively with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Fiji and Melanesia, including fieldwork surveying Fijian reefs. While no formal advisees are documented, her work demonstrates strong mentorship through collaborative publications and educational contributions like the 'Ten Simple Rules' modeling guide. Her current Melanesian reef project exemplifies her signature approach: integrating mathematical optimization with community engagement to develop context-specific conservation strategies that balance ecological resilience and human needs.

• Marine Biology
• Biodiversity
• Zoantharians
• +11 more

James Davis Reimer is a Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences, Chemistry and Biology at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, where he has been based since 2007. He also serves as an Adjunct Researcher at the Tropical Biosphere Research Center affiliated with the University of the Ryukyus. His position provides access to diverse marine ecosystems across the Ryukyu Islands chain stretching from Taiwan to mainland Japan. Reimer's research primarily focuses on the biodiversity of understudied marine invertebrate groups, particularly benthic cnidarians including zoantharians and their endosymbionts, as well as octocorals. His work spans from shallow tropical coral reefs to the deep sea, with recent research examining the impact of coastal development on marine diversity and ecosystems. His extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, phylogenetic analyses, and biodiversity assessment across various marine habitats. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on marine biodiversity assessment using molecular techniques, with particular emphasis on cnidarian taxonomy, symbiotic relationships, and the impacts of anthropogenic activities on marine ecosystems. His work often incorporates field studies in the Ryukyu Islands and Okinawa, contributing significantly to our understanding of marine biodiversity patterns across depth gradients and microhabitats. Okinawa Research Prize for science contributing to the well-being and understanding of the Ryukyu Islands (2015) Narishige Prize by the Zoological Society of Japan in recognition of his unique research output (2021) Reimer maintains an active research program with numerous collaborations across international institutions, as evidenced by his extensive publication record and editorial work with PeerJ. His research group, associated with the MISE Lab, appears to focus on molecular approaches to marine biodiversity assessment, with particular attention to understudied invertebrate taxa. He has contributed significantly to large collaborative efforts addressing global marine biodiversity conservation challenges. His work connects fundamental research on marine invertebrate biodiversity with applied conservation concerns, particularly regarding coastal development impacts and coral reef health in the Ryukyu Islands region. The MISE Lab serves as the primary research hub for his ongoing investigations into marine biodiversity patterns and processes.

David BellwoodView profile

Professor

• Coral Reef Ecology
• Fish Evolution
• Ecomorphology
• +3 more

David Bellwood is a distinguished academic and Chief Investigator at the Marine Biology Department of James Cook University (JCU). He holds a BSc from the University of Bath and a PhD from James Cook University. His research focuses on coral reef ecosystems, particularly the ecology and evolution of reef fishes, their functional morphology, and roles in ecosystem resilience. Bellwood has led the Bellwood Lab, exploring topics like fish-ecosystem interactions, coral reef biogeography, and the impact of environmental changes. His career spans roles from Assistant Scientific Officer (1978–1979) at the UK’s MAFF Fisheries and British Museum (Natural History) to his current position as Distinguished Professor (2015–present). His work integrates field observations, laboratory analyses, and molecular phylogenetics to address questions about reef fish evolution and ecosystem function. Key projects include comparisons between Caribbean and Great Barrier Reef systems, emphasizing biogeographic influences on functional traits. Research interests include reef fish ecomorphology, trophic biology, and coral reef dynamics. His studies on herbivory, sediment dynamics, and climate change impacts have advanced understanding of reef resilience. Bellwood’s contributions extend to collaborative efforts like the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (2005–2022), where he contributed to global reef conservation strategies and interdisciplinary research. His articles (e.g., on coral reef degradation indicators, fish evolution, and functional redundancy) reflect his focus on linking ecological processes to conservation challenges. The Bellwood Lab’s findings highlight the interdependence of fish diversity and reef health, advocating for evidence-based management approaches amid climate pressures.

• Geomorphology
• Coral Reef Systems
• Environmental Change
• +4 more

Scott Smithers is a Professor in the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University (JCU), specializing in geomorphology with a focus on coral reef systems. He moved to JCU in 1994 to leverage proximity to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and its scientific community. His research integrates reef growth dynamics, environmental change impacts, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction using coral skeletons and sediment deposits. Current roles include co-vice chair of the IAG Working Group on Reef Geomorphology and membership in the ReefBudget network, advancing carbonate budget assessment protocols. Research Interests: Reef development and carbonate production patterns Environmental change records from coral skeletons and reef deposits Coral reef island morphology and sediment dynamics Tropical coastlines, fluvial systems, and sediment tracing Recent Projects (2016-2022): Raine Island beach reprofiling for turtle conservation Predictive reef-island geomorphology models using high-resolution datasets Sediment tracing from catchments to reefs in the GBR Key Publications (2023): Focus on coastal management innovations, satellite-based water quality monitoring, and machine learning applications for sediment analysis. Recent work addresses Trichodesmium’s nitrogen contributions to reefs and the impacts of sea level rise on reef growth capacity. Grants/Advising: Mentor for researchers in sediment dynamics and reef ecology. Collaborations span international institutions and government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Science. Labs/Teams: Active in multidisciplinary teams addressing climate adaptation, reef resilience, and coastal policy integration.

Gunjan PandeyView profile

Researcher

• Applied Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Circular Economy
• +3 more

Dr. Gunjan Pandey serves as a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO Environment in Canberra, Australia, within the Industry Environment Program. She concurrently holds an Adjunct Fellow position at Macquarie University since 2019 and serves on editorial boards for PLOS One and Insects journals. Her academic credentials include: PhD in Biotechnology from Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India (2005) MSc in Biochemistry from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India (1999) BSc in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry from Kumaun University, Nainital, India (1996) Her research integrates three core domains: applied genomics leveraging bioinformatics for accelerated discovery; insect-based engineering for circular economy waste conversion; and novel gene-enzyme systems for biotechnological innovation. This work spans environmental, health, food security, and biosecurity applications through genomic and synthetic biology approaches. Analysis of her 15+ publications reveals a dominant focus on chromosomal genome assembly of ecologically and agriculturally significant organisms using long-read sequencing technologies. Key thematic clusters include pest management (cotton bollworm, fire ants), circular economy applications (black soldier fly), crop improvement (cowpea, ryegrass), and ecosystem conservation (coral reef starfish). Her scientific recognition includes: Julius Career Award (CSIRO, 2014-2016) Senior Research Fellowship (DBT/CSIR India, 2002-2004) Junior Research Fellowship (DBT/CSIR India, 1999-2001) Dr. Pandey directs multiple grant-funded initiatives including bio-inspired plastic digestion (2023-2026), insect-based waste detoxification systems (2023-2026), and organofluorine bioremediation research (2021-2024), while serving on CSIRO's Institutional Biosafety Committee since 2011. Her editorial roles in PLOS One and Insects demonstrate active scholarly engagement. As lead researcher in CSIRO's Industry Environment Program, she develops genomic solutions for sustainable resource management, with particular emphasis on insect-mediated circular economy systems and translational biotechnology applications.

• Molecular Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications
• +4 more

Michael Sweet is a Professor of Molecular Ecology at the University of Derby , within the College of Science and Engineering . His research focuses on molecular ecology, coral microbiome dynamics, and environmental DNA (eDNA) applications. He specializes in studying the impacts of climate change, invasive species, and anthropogenic stressors on marine ecosystems. Research Interests: Marine microbial ecology and symbiosis Coral health and disease dynamics eDNA methodologies for biodiversity monitoring Conservation strategies for coral reefs Climate change adaptation in marine organisms Recent Research Trends: Dr. Sweet's work emphasizes coral resilience to heatwaves, invasive species management, and the application of probiotics and selective breeding to enhance coral survival. His studies often integrate field surveys, lab experiments, and molecular techniques to address ecological and conservation challenges. Grants & Collaborations: Collaborates internationally on coral restoration projects and eDNA-based conservation tools. Active in fieldwork across the Maldives, Indonesia, and Arctic regions. Labs & Teams: Leads projects in coral microbiome research and eDNA innovation, often involving interdisciplinary teams and global partnerships.

Hannah EpsteinView profile

Lecturer

• Coral Reef Ecology
• Microbial Ecology
• Tropical Marine Biology
• +1 more

Hannah Epstein is an Honorary Lecturer at the School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, specializing in marine biology with a focus on coral reef ecosystems. She is based at the Colchester Campus and actively contributes to both research and teaching in her field. Dr. Epstein's research focuses on several interconnected areas of marine science: Coral Reef Ecology - examining community structures and dynamics across tropical seascapes Microbial Ecology - investigating the complex relationships between corals and their microbial symbionts Tropical Marine Biology - studying biodiversity and ecological processes in warm-water marine environments Coral Reef Climate Resilience - exploring mechanisms that enable corals to withstand environmental stressors Her recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on understanding how coral microbiomes respond to environmental stressors, particularly thermal events. Epstein's work reveals important insights into microbial transmission, coral bleaching mechanisms, and potential pathways for enhancing coral resilience through microbiome engineering. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Animal Microbiome, Global Change Biology, and The ISME Journal. Dr. Epstein has received recognition for her methodological contributions to coral microbiome research, particularly in developing best practices for 16S rRNA amplicon data analysis. Her interdisciplinary approach combines molecular techniques with ecological theory to address pressing conservation challenges facing coral reef ecosystems worldwide. As an educator, Dr. Epstein teaches across multiple levels of the curriculum, from introductory marine ecology to specialized field courses in tropical marine biology. Her teaching portfolio reflects her research expertise while providing students with practical skills for marine scientific investigation.

Nicole WebsterView profile

Professor

• Marine Microbiology
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Sponge Microbiology
• +4 more

Nicole Webster is an Honorary Professor at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland. Her research integrates molecular genetics, genomics, and microbial ecology to investigate marine symbioses, focusing on coral reefs and sponge microbiomes under climate stress. She leads studies on microbial contributions to reef resilience, holobiont dynamics, and environmental monitoring frameworks. Research Focus Professor Webster's work centers on: Microbial symbiosis in marine invertebrates (sponges, corals) and their adaptive responses to environmental stressors Impacts of ocean warming, acidification, and pollution on reef microbiomes Development of microbial indicators for ecosystem health assessment Genomic and metatranscriptomic analysis of host-microbe interactions Publication Trends Her recent articles (2023-2025) emphasize climate change impacts on marine microbiomes, employing advanced omics tools. Key themes include: Thermal stress and dysbiosis in coral/sponge holobionts Microbial roles in larval settlement and reef recovery Predictive modelling of reef health using microbial data Genomic adaptations of symbiotic microbes Affiliations and Collaboration Professor Webster collaborates with the Centre for Marine Science and global research networks. Her work supports reef conservation through microbial-based monitoring frameworks.

Qingping ZouView profile

Professor

• Physical Oceanography
• Coastal Engineering
• Environmental Fluid Mechanics
• +7 more

Qingping Zou is a Professor of Coastal Dynamics at Heriot-Watt University, affiliated with The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology and the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment within the Global Research Institutes. She holds a PhD from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA) and a B.S. from Nanjing University (China). Her research focuses on physical oceanography, coastal engineering, environmental fluid mechanics, and marine renewable energy, with emphasis on coastal resilience, sediment transport, and marine pollutants. She supervises PhD students and is actively involved in interdisciplinary projects aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Education: Ph.D., Physical Oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, USA B.S., Electric Engineering/Physics, Nanjing University, China Research Interests: Coastal flooding and climate adaptation Fluid-structure interactions and scour processes Nature-based solutions for coastal protection Transport of marine plastics and pollutants Wave-current-tide interactions Marine renewable energy systems Advising & Grants: Accepts CSC and self-funded PhD students in coastal dynamics, marine engineering, and environmental fluid mechanics. Prior roles include tenure at University of Plymouth (UK) and University of Maine (USA). Labs/Teams: Active at The Lyell Centre and collaborates internationally on coastal resilience and marine technology projects.

Jeremiah HackettView profile

Associate Professor

• Genome Evolution
• Evolution of Photosynthesis
• Harmful Algae Physiology
• +3 more

Jeremiah Hackett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on genome evolution, the evolution of photosynthesis, and the physiology of harmful algae. He investigates endosymbiotic processes, particularly how eukaryotes acquire plastids and the resulting genomic impacts. His lab uses molecular techniques like microarrays to study global gene expression in harmful algae, aiming to understand factors driving algal blooms. Education: Ph.D. Genetics, University of Iowa (2005) B.S. Biology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1999) Key Research Themes: Dr. Hackett’s work integrates evolutionary genomics with ecological studies of harmful algal blooms. He explores how horizontal gene transfer and endosymbiosis shape algal genomes, while also addressing ecological questions about toxin production and bloom dynamics. His research bridges cellular-level processes with large-scale environmental impacts. Awards & Honors: 2005 CICOR Postdoctoral Scholarship 2005 Robert T. Wilce Award (Northeast Algal Society) 2003 NSF-Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention Advising & Grants: While no specific grants or advisees are listed in the provided text, Dr. Hackett’s research has been supported by institutional resources and collaborations. His lab focuses on transcriptomics and genomic approaches to study algal biology and evolution. Labs/Teams: His research group at the University of Arizona employs cutting-edge genomic tools to study dinoflagellates and other harmful algae, with a focus on understanding ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving their success in marine environments.

Carmel McDougallView profile

Lecturer

• Marine Biology
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Molecular Aquaculture
• +3 more

Dr Carmel McDougall is a Lecturer in Marine Biology at the School of Biology, University of St Andrews. Her research focuses on comparative and functional genomics, with three core themes: Evolution and Development, Molecular Aquaculture, and Molecular Ecology. She investigates biomineralization processes in mollusks, sustainable aquaculture practices, and biodiversity assessment using genetic tools. Dr. McDougall leads projects on oyster reef restoration, microbial community dynamics in wetlands, and molecular responses to environmental stressors in marine organisms. She supervises PhD student Mollie Stefanek and has secured grants, including a BBSRC-funded project on shellfish production. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and sustainable consumption. Research interests include mollusk immune systems, pearl quality genetics, and eDNA techniques for biodiversity monitoring. Her lab develops molecular tools for aquaculture species selection and invasive species detection. Collaborative projects involve institutions globally, addressing challenges in marine conservation and blue economy hazards. Dr. McDougall’s recent publications highlight advancements in oyster reef characterization, cnidarian stress responses, and genomic analysis of lungfish evolution.