Find Academic Supervisors

• Photosynthesis
• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology
• +4 more

Dr. Andrew Hitchcock is a Royal Society Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences, Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology. His research focuses on the structural and functional mechanisms of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and purple bacteria, with particular emphasis on chlorophyll biosynthesis, light-harvesting complexes, and energy transfer dynamics. He leads the Sheffield Photosynthesis Research Group, advancing understanding of photosynthetic efficiency and engineering solutions for biotechnological applications. PhD (2007-2011): Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Sheffield Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2019–Present) Research interests include: photosynthetic light-harvesting systems, protein-lipid interactions in membranes, and the role of carotenoids in photoprotection. His work combines structural biology (cryo-EM, single-molecule imaging), biochemistry, and computational modeling to dissect photosynthetic pathways. Recent studies explore singlet fission contributions to energy harvesting and engineering cyanobacteria for enhanced bioproduct synthesis. Key achievements include defining the structural basis for photosystem organization in cyanobacteria and identifying novel metabolic pathways in soil Bacteroidetes. His publications span topics from quantum effects in light harvesting to environmental phosphorus cycling. Dr. Hitchcock collaborates widely, contributing to international consortia like PhotoRedesign to redesign photosynthetic systems for industrial applications. His lab integrates fundamental discovery with applied biotechnology, targeting sustainable solutions in energy and agriculture.

• Natural Products
• Antibiotics
• Bioactive Molecules
• +4 more

Dr. Max Crüsemann is a researcher at the Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie , part of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn . His research focuses on the discovery and biosynthesis of natural products, particularly antibiotics and G protein inhibitors. Utilizing advanced bioinformatics and -omics methodologies, his group aims to accelerate the identification of bioactive compounds and engineer their biosynthetic pathways for therapeutic applications. Key research areas include understanding the enzymology of natural product biosynthesis, exploring structural diversity in microbial metabolites, and investigating ecological functions of these compounds. His work bridges microbiology, chemistry, and pharmacology, with a focus on drug development and sustainable solutions for antibiotic resistance. Notable contributions include studies on the FR900359 Gq signaling inhibitor and its biosynthetic pathway, as well as the discovery of novel antibiotics like Hypeptin. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to natural product genomics, metabolomics, and synthetic biology. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing open science initiatives like MIBiG 4.0 and molecular networking for metabolite discovery. His lab actively engages in translational research, targeting applications in medicine and environmental sustainability.

Janis AntonovicsView profile

Research Professor

• Infectious Disease Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Epidemiology
• +3 more

Janis Antonovics is a Research Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on the evolution and epidemiology of infectious diseases in natural populations, particularly using plant models like anther smut. He retired from teaching eight years ago and now collaborates with labs globally, including those at the Free University of Berlin, the University of Maryland, and Amherst College. His work bridges theoretical modeling and empirical studies, addressing questions about disease transmission, host-pathogen coevolution, and species range limits. Education: B.A., Cambridge University (1963); Ph.D., University of Wales (1966). His research integrates datasets from organisms ranging from bumblebees to humans, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. He has been funded by NIH, NSF, and the Humboldt Foundation. Recent collaborations include microbial ecosystem studies at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, and fieldwork in the Ligurian Alps. Key research themes include the role of disease in species distribution, the evolution of resistance, and the dynamics of pathogen transmission. He has published extensively on topics such as anther smut biology, spatial ecology, and microbial community coalescence. Current projects explore genetic variance in pathogen avoidance and resistance, as well as the persistence of closed microbial ecosystems. Notable recent contributions include analyses of host-pathogen coevolution reducing spillover risks, fern pathogen diversity linked to clade age, and spatial structure effects on microbial ecosystems. His work often highlights the importance of historical scientific perspectives, such as revisiting early research on anther smut and Linnaeus’s contributions to germ theory. Antonovics advises on the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh’s Science Board and participates in field trips with the British Pteridological Society. His lab, the Antonovics Lab at UVA, collaborates internationally to advance ecological and evolutionary understanding of infectious diseases.

Fred AntsonView profile

Professor

• Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions
• Virology
• Structural Biology
• +3 more

Professor Fred Antson is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of York, UK. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of protein-nucleic acid interactions, particularly in viral DNA translocation, RNA regulation via TRAP/anti-TRAP systems, and tRNA modifying enzymes. He has held Wellcome Trust Fellowships since 1998, supporting his work on structural studies of viral assemblies and enzymatic mechanisms. His career includes a PhD from the Institute of Crystallography (Moscow), postdoctoral work at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Hamburg), and establishment of his research group at York in 1998. Key research areas include bacteriophage SPP1 portal proteins, Bacillus subtilis TRAP/RNA systems, and structural studies of tRNA modification enzymes like ThiI. Notable achievements include cryo-EM studies of viral packaging motors and nanopore sensor applications using thermophilic portal proteins. His work bridges structural biology and biophysics, with implications for virology, drug discovery, and nanotechnology. Grants: Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowships (2002–2012) Labs/Teams: Structural Biology Research Group at York

Sebastian HessView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Algal Biology
• Protozoology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Hess is a Full Professor at the Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. His research focuses on the biology of algae and protozoa, particularly their diversity, functional adaptations, and genomic features. He leads the Hess Lab, which explores ecological roles of microeukaryotes using advanced techniques like transcriptomics and integrative taxonomy. Current projects include studying predatory amoebae, fungal interactions, and biotechnological applications of algal adaptations. Hess holds a PhD in Botany from the University of Cologne and has held roles including Junior Research Group Leader (Emmy Noether Programme, DFG) and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Germany and Canada. Education: 2014: Doctoral dissertation in Botany, University of Cologne 2005–2011: Diploma in Biology, University of Bonn Research Interests: The Hess Lab investigates non-fungal microeukaryotes such as microalgae and protozoa, emphasizing their phylogenetic diversity, ecological niches, and adaptations. Key areas include: Predatory and symbiotic protist behaviors Genomic and cell biological mechanisms of adaptation Biotechnological potential of microbial enzymes and biopolymers Recent discoveries include novel sunscreen strategies in terrestrial algae and a microbial swimming style in protists. Awards: 2019: Emmy Noether Programme (DFG) 2015: Karl Gottlieb Grell Prize 2005: National science competition 'Jugend forscht' (Biology) Grants and Advising: Hess secures third-party funding for projects like exploring vampyrellid amoebae diversity and fungal predators in soil. He advises PhD student Justin Teixeira Pereira Bassiaridis and collaborates with international institutions. Open positions are available for students at all levels in biology-related fields. Labs and Teams: The Hess Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches, with staff including Dr. Brigitte Hertel and Dr. Markus Langhans. Technical and administrative support is provided by Tanja Khalifa and others. Research outputs include high-impact studies on protist predation, algal adaptations, and symbiotic relationships.

James McBrideView profile

Research Professor

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Quantum Dots
• +5 more

James McBride is a Research Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering. He specializes in advanced electron microscopy techniques, particularly aberration-corrected TEM, SEM, and FIB/SEM systems. His research focuses on colloidal quantum dots' structure-property relationships and cryo-FIB-SEM technique development. He manages VINSE's Tecnai Osiris TEM, Zeiss Merlin SEM, and Helios G3 FIB/SEM facilities. Education: Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; B.S., Florida Southern College. His work emphasizes correlating atomic structure with photoluminescence properties in nanomaterials, collaborating with ORNL researchers like Stephen Pennycook and Andrew Lupini. He leads cryo-FIB-SEM innovations including volume imaging and cryo-electron tomography lamella preparation. Research interests include quantum dot engineering, nanostructured materials characterization, and semiconductor nanocrystal applications. Recent work explores thermochromic coatings, plasmonic nanocrystals, and ferroelectric nanoparticles. His studies bridge microscopy, materials synthesis, and optoelectronic device development. Awards include the 2006 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award and Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscience Fellowships (2003-2004). His contributions advance nanotechnology through microscopy innovation and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Grace KenneyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Bacteriology
• Bioinformatics
• +5 more

Grace Kenney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh . Her research bridges bioinorganic chemistry, bacteriology, and bioinformatics to uncover novel microbial enzymes and natural products. Focus areas include computational genome mining Metalloenzyme characterization Metallophore discovery in microbiomes Her work combines biochemical, biophysical, and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in microbial physiology while exploring applications in biocatalysis and human health. Scientific awards include: Merck Fellow of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation (2019-2023) Postdoctoral Fellow, Leading Edge Symposium (2022) Northwestern University Widom Scholar Award (2018) American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship (2014-2016) Rappaport Award for Research Excellence (2014) Presidential Fellowship (2012-2014)

Andrew PiggottView profile

Associate Professor

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Antibiotic Discovery
• Biosynthesis
• +3 more

Andrew Piggott is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. He holds qualifications including a BMedSc (Hons) and PhD from Macquarie University, alongside MRACI CChem certifications. His research focuses on natural products chemistry, particularly exploring the chemical diversity of natural products as potential drug leads and biochemical pathway probes. Key areas include antibiotic discovery, biosynthesis mechanisms, and microbial pathogenesis. Dr. Piggott has led or contributed to 16 research projects, including ARC Future Fellowships and collaborations on antibiotic development and fungal biodiversity. Notable achievements include isolating novel antibiotics like geministatins and investigating meroterpenoid virulence factors in plant pathogens. His work bridges chemistry and biology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to address antimicrobial resistance and disease mechanisms. Education: BMedSc (Hons) Macquarie University, PhD Macquarie University Experience: 2021–present: Associate Professor, Macquarie University 2018–2020: Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University 2014–2017: ARC Future Fellow, Macquarie University His research outputs span over 120 publications, with recent work focusing on transcriptomics-driven discovery, biosynthetic pathway elucidation, and antifungal compound development. Awards include the 2024 25-Year RACI Membership and 2019 Excellence in Research Partnership Award.

Eric AllanView profile

Professor

• Community Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Ecosystem Functioning
• +6 more

Prof. Eric Allan is a Professor and Head of the Community Ecology section at the University of Bern’s Institute of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships, plant community dynamics, and the impacts of land use and climate change. He leads studies on grassland ecology, nitrogen cycling, and invasive species effects, with a particular emphasis on functional traits and ecosystem resilience. Education details are not explicitly listed, but his academic career is centered at the University of Bern. Research interests include exploring how biodiversity influences ecosystem services, particularly under anthropogenic pressures like land use intensification and climate extremes. His work integrates plant-soil interactions, herbivore impacts, and invasive species dynamics across multiple spatial and organizational scales. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding thresholds of functional diversity, plant disease severity under climate change, and the ecological consequences of nitrogen enrichment. Articles consistently emphasize multifunctionality in ecosystems, invasive species management, and the role of dominant species in community recovery under stress. No awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. His lab focuses on experimental and observational studies in grasslands and forests, with collaborative projects on biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.

• Forest Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Plant Physiology
• +3 more

Janice Cooke is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying forest tree responses to biotic and abiotic stressors, including pest/pathogen interactions and seasonal physiological processes. She leads the Cooke Lab, which collaborates on large-scale genomics projects and investigates conifer defense mechanisms, dormancy regulation, and ecological genetics. Education: BSc (Honours, Co-op) from University of Victoria; PhD from University of Alberta; postdoctoral research at University of Florida and Université Laval. Professional roles include Editor-in-Chief of Tree Physiology and Deputy Coordinator for IUFRO Division 2. Research interests include molecular responses to environmental cues, quantitative resistance in pines, and white spruce bud dormancy. Notable projects address mountain pine beetle-fungal symbiont interactions, spruce budworm herbivory, and nitrogen dynamics in conifers. Awards: CD Nelson Award (2021), McCalla Professorship (2020), Killam Annual Professorship (2019). Teaches courses like BOT 205 (Plant Biology), BOT 445/545 (Molecular Plant Physiology), and BOT 600 (Plant Biology Seminar). Labs/Teams: Cooke Lab (focus on tree genomics and stress responses). Current projects explore genetic and environmental factors influencing tree defense mechanisms and phenological adaptation.

Christina KaiserView profile

Associate Professor

• Soil Microbial Ecology
• Complex Systems Science
• Biogeochemistry
• +3 more

Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Christina Kaiser is an Associate Professor at the Division of Terrestrial Ecosystem Research within the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science at the University of Vienna. Her research focuses on soil as a complex system, exploring microbial processes and their emergent behaviors in soil organic matter turnover. She employs cutting-edge techniques like nanoSIMS and stable isotope analysis to study carbon and nitrogen dynamics in plant-microbe interactions, particularly in mycorrhizal symbiosis. Current projects include the Cluster of Excellence on Microbiomes Driving Planetary Health, the ERC-funded study on self-organization in soil microbial systems, and investigations into rhizosphere priming effects. She leads a team actively publishing in top journals such as Nature Climate Change and New Phytologist . Teaching activities are listed on u:find. Open positions for PhD and postdoc researchers are available. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches linking experimental and computational modeling to understand soil ecosystem functioning.

Rulan JiangView profile

Researcher

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Human Milk Bioactives
• Bioactive Component Absorption
• +3 more

Rulan Jiang, Ph.D., is an Associate Project Scientist in the Department of Nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on pediatric nutrition, particularly the absorption and biological roles of bioactive components in human milk, such as lactoferrin and osteopontin. She employs cell and animal models to study mechanisms underlying their effects on brain and intestinal development, immune function, and health outcomes associated with lactation stage variations. Education: Ph.D. in Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis Research Interests: Mechanisms of milk-derived bioactive component absorption Dynamic changes in human milk constituents during lactation Relationships between milk bioactives and infant health outcomes Antiviral and immunomodulatory functions of lactoferrin Role of osteopontin in neurodevelopment and intestinal morphology Recent Research Directions: Her work emphasizes translational studies linking milk composition to infant development, including longitudinal cohort analyses of lactoferrin dynamics and in vitro assessments of bioactives against pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies also explore recombinant protein production systems for bioactive compounds and their functional equivalence to native milk-derived forms. Collaborations: Dr. Jiang collaborates extensively with researchers in molecular biology, food science, and pediatrics, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to advance understanding of milk's role in health.

Mary E. KableView profile

Adjunct Assistant Professor

• Gut Microbiome
• Dietary Fiber
• Human Health
• +3 more

Mary E. Kable, Ph.D., is a Research Molecular Biologist at USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC) and an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the University of California, Davis. Her work focuses on the interplay between diet, gut microbiota composition, and human health outcomes, particularly how dietary fibers influence colonization resistance against foodborne pathogens. She leads the Kable Lab, which investigates (1) gut microbiota dynamics in healthy individuals linked to long-term dietary habits, (2) high-throughput microbiota culturing methods, and (3) in vitro fermentation studies of gut microbes with dietary components. Her research integrates microbiological, nutritional, and clinical approaches to understand how dietary interventions can modulate gut microbiota for disease prevention. Recent studies include examining polyphenol impacts on microbial diversity, honey's effects on E. coli virulence, and lactose metabolism-genotype interactions. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to bridge basic science and translational nutrition. Dr. Kable’s work has been published in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports , Nutrients , and Experimental Biology , with a focus on dietary fiber, SCFA production, and microbiome-based health biomarkers. Her lab’s methodological innovations aim to standardize microbiota research techniques, enhancing reproducibility in the field. Notable contributions include identifying host genetic factors influencing H. pylori adhesion and demonstrating resistant starch’s role in glycemic control and microbiota alteration. Her research has implications for personalized nutrition, food safety, and public health strategies targeting microbiome-related disorders. Current projects explore diet-microbiome interactions in obesity prevention, SCFA-based health predictions, and the microbiological quality of dairy products. She advises no students but collaborates extensively with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students across institutions.

• Microbial Nanowires
• Electron Transfer Mechanisms
• Environmental Microbiology
• +7 more

Nikhil S. Malvankar is an Associate Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University’s School of Medicine. He leads the Protein Nanowires Lab and holds affiliations with the Yale Microbial Sciences Institute and multiple interdisciplinary centers including the Center for Brain & Mind Health and Climate Change and Health Initiative. His research focuses on microbial nanowires, electron transfer mechanisms, and applications in environmental remediation and human health. Malvankar completed his PhD in condensed matter physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, then transitioned to microbiology during his postdoc. His work bridges structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to study how microbes use conductive protein nanowires for energy exchange. Key achievements include identifying novel electron transfer pathways and mechanisms of nanowire conductivity. His research spans four core areas: fundamental nanowire assembly studies, environmental restoration via microbial electron exchange, rhizosphere health through plant-microbe interactions, and clinical applications targeting pathogenic bacteria. Techniques used include cryo-electron microscopy, spectroelectrochemistry, and computational modeling in collaboration with chemists and physicists. Malvankar has received prestigious awards including the Blavatnik Award for Innovation (2021), Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, and multiple NIH/NSF grants. His lab actively collaborates internationally and offers interdisciplinary training in biophysical, biochemical, and computational approaches.

• Microbial Evolution
• Microbial Genomics
• Microbial Genetics
• +3 more

David Baltrus is an Associate Professor in the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on microbial evolution, genomics, and genetics, particularly investigating how bacteria adapt and interact with hosts and environments. He holds a BA from the University of Delaware, a PhD from the University of Oregon (advisors Karen Guillemin and Patrick Phillips), and completed postdoctoral work at UNC Chapel Hill (advisor Jeff Dangl). Research Interests: Baltrus' lab explores microbial evolution mechanisms, genomic changes over time, and genetic experimentation in bacterial phytopathogens. They use diverse techniques from metagenomic sequencing to genetic experiments, emphasizing bacterial survival strategies. Key areas include symbiotic relationships between bacteria and fungi, phage-derived bacteriocins, and the evolutionary impacts of synonymous substitutions. Teaching: Baltrus instructs PLP 428/528 (Lecture and Laboratory) and is affiliated with programs in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, and Plant Pathology. His teaching emphasizes hands-on research experiences and mentorship principles outlined on his lab website. Awards and Grants: While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects sustained research contributions. Grants and funding sources are not explicitly detailed in the provided text. Labs and Collaborations: The Baltrus Lab collaborates on projects involving bacterial symbionts of fungi, tailocin mechanisms, and genomic databases like IMG/PR. They prioritize interdisciplinary approaches to understanding microbial ecology and evolution.