Find Academic Supervisors

• Astrobiology
• Planetary Geology
• Early Earth Life
• +7 more

Dr. Keyron Hickman-Lewis is a Lecturer in Planetary Exploration at Birkbeck, University of London, with academic positions spanning institutions like the Natural History Museum and Imperial College London. He holds a M.EarthSci from the University of Oxford (2015) and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from CNRS Orléans and Università di Bologna (2019). His research focuses on the co-evolution of Earth and early life, planetary exploration (including Mars 2020 Perseverance rover missions), and technique development for analyzing ancient microbial biosignatures. Key interests include microbial mats, Archaean geology, and astrobiological field analogs like Lake Abhe (Djibouti) and Martian environments. Notable achievements include identifying Earth's oldest microbial traces (3.5 Ga) and studying Mars sample return strategies. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS) and serves on the European Astrobiology Network Association Council. Teaching includes modules on planetary science, geology, and remote sensing. Supervision focuses on astrobiology and planetary exploration topics. Key publications highlight breakthroughs in microbial mat preservation, Mars sample analysis, and Early Archaean stromatolite interpretation. Collaborations span international institutions including NASA, CNRS, and the University of Bologna.

Dagmar WoebkenView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Soil Microbiology
• Microbial Dormancy
• +3 more

Dagmar Woebken is Associate Professor and Head of the Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science at the University of Vienna, where she leads the Division of Microbial Ecology. Her research investigates microbial survival strategies in challenging soil habitats, particularly focusing on adaptation mechanisms to environmental stressors. Research encompasses three primary themes: Dormancy and reactivation dynamics in desert soil microbial communities Assembly and function of plant-associated microbiomes Ecological success factors of Acidobacteria in terrestrial environments Her group employs molecular techniques including metagenomics, stable isotope probing, and single-cell approaches (NanoSIMS, Raman microspectroscopy) combined with cultivation-based methods. Publications demonstrate expertise in: Microbial adaptation to extreme environments Plant-microbe-nutrient interactions Genomic basis of bacterial ecological strategies Recent work increasingly utilizes advanced imaging and isotopic tracing to investigate microbial processes at cellular scales. Dr. Woebken pioneered the NifMAP bioinformatic pipeline for analyzing nitrogen-fixing communities and developed methods combining Gold-FISH with NanoSIMS for targeted analysis of plant-associated bacteria. She leads research projects on microbial symbioses funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). She directs a research group investigating microbial ecology across ecosystems from deserts to forests. Current projects include studies of ant-plant-microbe associations and microbe-mediated nitrogen cycling in grasslands. The group maintains collaborations with international institutions and participates in public outreach through science communication platforms.

Leonardo PUPPULINView profile

Researcher

• Physical Chemistry
• Nanosystems
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• +4 more

Leonardo PUPPULIN is a Researcher at the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He specializes in Physical Chemistry, with a focus on nanoscale material characterization, biomaterials, and sustainable chemistry. His work includes advanced microscopy techniques such as high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to study biological systems, molecular dynamics, and material degradation mechanisms. He oversees laboratory safety and teaching activities, including courses in Physical Chemistry, Colloids and Interfaces, and Electron Microscopy techniques at both undergraduate and doctoral levels. Research interests span diverse areas: Dynamic imaging of proteins and channels (e.g., TRPV1, TMEM16F) using HS-AFM Development of protective silica-based coatings for cultural heritage artifacts Upcycling chitin into catalytic materials for green chemistry applications Biomedical materials analysis, particularly polyethylene and ceramic implants Optical properties of nanomaterials like NaBiF4 for photonics applications Teaching responsibilities include laboratory supervision and theoretical modules for Chemistry and Nanomaterials programs. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining physical chemistry with biomedical and environmental applications. His 15 most recent articles (2023–2025) highlight advancements in HS-AFM imaging, nanomaterial synthesis, and biomaterial degradation studies, reflecting a strong emphasis on experimental techniques and interdisciplinary applications.

Allen OrvilleView profile

Researcher

• Macromolecular Crystallography
• Time-Resolved Structural Biology
• Serial Crystallography
• +3 more

Allen Orville serves as the Principal Scientist and group leader of the UK XFEL Hub at Diamond Light Source, joining in October 2015 after tenure at Brookhaven National Laboratory and an Assistant Professorship at Georgia Institute of Technology. Education: BS and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul) Post-doctoral training with Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) Research Interests: Dr. Orville pioneers time-resolved structural biology, focusing on macromolecular crystallography and serial crystallography at synchrotrons and XFELs. His work integrates microspectroscopy with X-ray diffraction to capture enzymatic reactions in real-time, developing novel methods such as acoustic injection systems for time-resolved studies at facilities worldwide. This research aims to produce atomic-resolution movies of macromolecules during catalysis. Collaborations: LCLS at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (USA) SACLA (Japan) European XFEL (Germany) Central Laser Facility and Diamond Light Source (UK)

• Atomic and molecular-scale structure analysis
• Battery materials development
• Energy storage technologies
• +4 more

Assoc. Prof. Wei Kong Pang is an Associate Professor and Principal Fellow at the University of Wollongong, affiliated with the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials within the Australian Institute for Innovative Materials. His research focuses on atomic-scale characterization of energy materials, structure-function relationships of battery materials, and advanced metal-ion battery technologies. He utilizes neutron and synchrotron scattering methods combined with in-situ electrochemical techniques to study material behavior in real-time. Research Interests: Atomic/molecular-scale material analysis via neutron/X-ray scattering, battery material development (lithium, sodium, potassium-ion), energy storage systems, and scale-up technologies. His work bridges fundamental materials science with applied energy storage solutions through collaborations at large-scale facilities. Awards: ANSTO Neutron and Deuteration Impact Award: Energy (2021) Australian Synchrotron Research Award 2020 Advisory/Grants: Current PhD supervision on porous carbon frameworks for lithium metal anodes and high-entropy cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. Research networks span local and international institutions. Labs/Teams: Active in the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, leveraging advanced facilities like neutron scattering and synchrotron techniques for mechanistic studies.

Daniel A. SchersonView profile

Professor

• Electrochemistry
• Physical Electrochemistry
• Spectroscopy
• +4 more

Daniel A. Scherson serves as the Frank Hovorka Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Ernest B. Yeager Center for Electrochemical Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. His research bridges fundamental electrochemical phenomena with practical energy storage applications through advanced spectroscopic methodologies. His academic foundation includes: Licenciado en Quimica from University of Chile (1974) PhD in Chemistry from University of California at Davis (1979) Postdoctoral Research Associate at Case Center for Electrochemical Sciences (1981-82) Senior Research Associate at Case Center for Electrochemical Sciences (1981-82) Scherson's work centers on physical electrochemistry and in situ spectroscopy , investigating how submonolayer adsorbates modify electrode reactivity. His group pioneers techniques including Raman spectroscopy , X-ray absorption , and second harmonic generation to probe dynamic electrode-electrolyte interfaces, with significant implications for electrocatalysis and energy storage systems . Current research emphasizes real-time characterization of battery electrode processes. Publications from 2003-2004 reveal a concentrated focus on spectroscopic interrogation of battery materials, particularly lithium-ion and zinc electrode systems, demonstrating methodological innovations in spatially resolved in situ analysis of operational electrochemical cells. His exceptional contributions have earned prestigious international recognition: Faraday Medal of the Royal Chemical Society (2004) David C. Grahame Award (ECS, 2000) Alexander von Humboldt Senior Fellowship (2002) Japan Society for Promotion of Science Fellowship (1993-94) IBM Faculty Development Award (1983) Vittorio de Nora Postdoctoral Fellowship (1981) As Director of the Ernest B. Yeager Center, Scherson leads interdisciplinary research initiatives advancing electrochemical science while mentoring the next generation of scientists through collaborative projects and specialized instrumentation development.

• Protozoan Parasitology
• Sphingolipid Biosynthesis
• Antileishmanial Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Professor Paul Denny is a Professor in the Department of Biosciences and the Department of Chemistry at Durham University. He is also a Fellow of the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing. His research focuses on protozoan parasites, particularly Leishmania , aiming to understand lipid biosynthesis and membrane trafficking in host-parasite interactions to identify therapeutic targets. He has held significant roles, including being the MRC Global Network for NTDs Lead and has received notable awards such as the Royal Society of Biology Fellowship. His research interests span Cell Biology, Lipid Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Parasitology. Central to his work is the study of sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways in parasites like Leishmania and Toxoplasma gondii , aiming to discover novel drug targets and therapies for neglected tropical diseases. His lab investigates antileishmanial compounds, drug delivery mechanisms, and the molecular basis of parasitic resistance to existing treatments. Key scientific achievements include the MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize (2024) for leading a global network addressing Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, and the COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar award (2025). He has organized numerous workshops and training programs in countries like Kenya, Brazil, and Pakistan, focusing on drug discovery and capacity building in endemic regions. Professor Denny supervises multiple PhD students, including Amy Wiseman, Davide Cazzola, and others, and has secured grants supporting collaborative research across continents. His lab collaborates with institutions globally, emphasizing equitable partnerships in scientific research. Notable contributions include developing nanoparticle drug delivery systems and identifying clemastine fumarate analogues as effective antileishmanials. He is actively involved in public engagement, such as the Pint of Science event on 'flesh-eating parasites,' and serves on editorial boards including Parasitology and Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology . His recent work highlights the role of sphingolipid metabolism in parasite survival and the application of advanced sequencing technologies for rapid pathogen genotyping.

Catherine WakemanView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Interactions
• Biofilm Community Structure
• Polymicrobial Infections
• +3 more

Catherine A. Wakeman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University. Her research focuses on microbial interactions, biofilm community structure, and metalloregulation of bacterial physiology. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2009) and completed postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University and UT Southwestern. Her work bridges microbiology, immunology, and biochemistry, with emphasis on infectious diseases caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . Key research areas include: Polymicrobial interactions during co-infections (e.g., diabetic ulcers, cystic fibrosis lungs) Cellular differentiation in biofilms using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry Metal homeostasis as a regulatory signal for pathogenic behavior Her lab investigates mechanisms of pathogen cooperation/competition, biofilm subpopulation roles, and immune evasion strategies. Recent work develops novel methods like the polymicrobial checkerboard assay to evaluate antibiotic effectiveness in mixed infections. She mentors graduate students Caroline Black, Alex Luecke, and Hafij Al Mahmud. Awards and recognitions include NIH-funded grants supporting studies on bacterial biofilm dynamics and host-pathogen interactions. Her team collaborates with mass spectrometry experts and maintains an active lab website (wakemanlab.com).

Simone FinizioView profile

Researcher

• Magnetism
• Magnetic Skyrmions
• Domain Wall Dynamics
• +4 more

Simone Finizio is a Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, working at the PolLux beamline of the Swiss Light Source within the Center for Photon Science Laboratory for Condensed Matter. He has held this position since 2015 following his postdoctoral training, specializing in advanced magnetic imaging techniques for nanoscale materials. His academic background includes: Bachelor's degree in Physics Engineering (2009, honorable mention) from Politecnico di Milano Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering (2011, honorable mention) from Politecnico di Milano Ph.D. in Physics (2015) from Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz Finizio's research pioneers time-resolved X-ray magnetic microscopy to capture sub-nanosecond magnetic dynamics. His work spans magnetic skyrmion manipulation, domain wall motion analysis, spin wave characterization, and multiferroic material studies. He has developed critical instrumentation for field-free skyrmion nucleation and 3D magnetization imaging, enabling breakthroughs in understanding topological magnetic structures for next-generation spintronic applications. Analysis of his publications reveals consistent innovation in synchrotron-based magnetic imaging techniques, with emphasis on picosecond temporal resolution and nanoscale spatial precision. Key trends include deterministic skyrmion control for memory devices, tilt-free domain wall motion mechanisms, and quantitative electrical detection of topological magnetic states. Finizio actively supports user experiments at PolLux beamline and led instrumentation development for the EU Horizon 2020 MagicSky project (2015-2018). He has secured collaborative grants for sample fabrication and beamline enhancements, including RF setup designs and measurement automation software now standard for user operations. As a core member of PSI's microspectroscopy group, he directs technical development of the scanning-transmission X-ray microscope, implementing hardware and software innovations that advance the facility's capabilities in time-resolved magnetic studies.

• Vibrational Spectroscopy
• Infrared Spectroscopy
• Data Modelling
• +7 more

Achim Kohler is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). He leads the BioSpec research group under RealTek, focusing on vibrational spectroscopy of biological materials. His work integrates physics, data analysis, and measurement technology for high-throughput characterization of microorganisms and other biological systems. His research interests lie at the intersection of physics, spectroscopy, and data science . The BioSpec group pioneers in modeling scattering and absorption in infrared spectroscopy and develops advanced multivariate analysis methods for interpreting complex spectral data. Their work enables automated, label-free screening of biological samples with applications in microbiology, medicine, and environmental monitoring. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward automated, data-driven analysis of biological systems using vibrational spectroscopy . Key fields include infrared and Raman spectroscopy, multivariate calibration, machine learning for spectral classification, and non-destructive testing of cells and tissues. The research spans fundamental optical modeling to applied diagnostics and process monitoring. The BioSpec group has achieved global recognition as one of the leading teams in multivariate analysis of vibrational spectroscopic data. Professor Kohler has led multiple Norwegian and European research projects, contributing significantly to the advancement of spectroscopic techniques in life sciences. He supervises research within the BioSpec group, mentoring students and researchers in interdisciplinary projects that combine experimental spectroscopy with computational modeling. While specific grant names are not listed, his leadership of national and international projects indicates substantial external funding. The group actively develops new methodologies for real-time, high-throughput characterization of biological materials. The BioSpec group is a multidisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge research in vibrational spectroscopy. They focus on both theoretical modeling and practical applications, including automated screening platforms and advanced chemometric tools. More information can be found at: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/realtek/research/groups/biospectroscopy .

Henrik WallénView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Electromagnetism
• Microwave Engineering
• Optical Physics
• +2 more

Henrik Wallén is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, Aalto University, Finland. His research focuses on electromagnetism, optical physics, and characteristic mode theory, with recent publications in Journal of Biophotonics , IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation , and Journal of the Optical Society of America B . He collaborates closely with researchers like Ari Sihvola, Pasi Ylä-Oijala, and Beibei Kong, contributing to advancements in wave scattering, polarizability, and active material interactions. Research Highlights: Developed novel formulations for electromagnetic characteristic modes in material and lossy structures. Investigated backscattering enhancement and non-positive extinction cross-sections in active scatterers. Contributed to infrared transmission microspectroscopy and polarization modeling of dielectric shapes. Collaborated on Janus particles and their electromagnetic responses. His work bridges theoretical electromagnetics with practical applications in photonics and antenna design.

Miroslav PopovićView profile

Researcher

• Nuclear Engineering
• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Miroslav Popović is an academic affiliated with Singidunum University's Faculty of Informatics and Computing . His expertise spans nuclear engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, and medical research. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2013–2017) in Nuclear Engineering, and bachelor's degrees in Physics (2000–2009) and Chemistry (2000–2004) from the University of Belgrade. His research focuses on advanced materials for nuclear applications , environmental sustainability , and medical technologies . Key projects include corrosion studies in liquid metals (e.g., Pb-Bi eutectic), AI-driven waste classification systems, and clinical trials for scoliosis treatments. He has authored/co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and a textbook Prirodni hazard (2024). Recent work highlights: Convolutional neural networks for waste management (2025) Randomized controlled trial for Schroth Method in adolescent scoliosis (2025) Hydrometallurgical recovery of metals from tailings (2024) Structural analysis of tungsten under helium ion irradiation (2022) He collaborates with institutions like UC Berkeley and the Serbian Academy of Sciences. No awards or grants are explicitly listed, though his prolific publication record indicates active research funding.

Natasha StephenView profile

Researcher

• Microscopy
• Planetary Science
• Geochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Natasha Stephen is a Researcher in the Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design at the University of Plymouth, where she directs the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre. Her work focuses on applying advanced microscopy techniques to study astromaterials, bridging nano-scale analysis with planetary science to unravel geological histories and origins of extraterrestrial specimens. Her research integrates Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Electron-Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) Micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (µFT-IR) X-ray Microscopy (XRM) Tomography for 3D Structural Analysis across scales from microscopic to astronomical. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding Martian meteorites, aqueous alteration processes, and volatile history in the solar system. Articles demonstrate trends in Multi-scale Correlative Microscopy Synchrtron-Based Spectroscopic Methods Classification of Meteorite Parent Bodies Non-Destructive Analysis of Extraterrestrial Materials Thermal Infrared Imaging Geochemical History Reconstruction

Stephanie A EichorstView profile

Researcher

• Soil Microbiology
• Microbial Physiology
• Acidobacteriota Research
• +7 more

Dr. Stephanie A. Eichorst is a Senior Scientist at the University of Vienna's Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, specifically within the Division of Microbial Ecology (DOME). She joined the University of Vienna in 2012 after completing her PhD at Michigan State University, followed by postdoctoral work at Los Alamos National Lab and research at the Joint BioEnergy Institute in the USA. Her research program centers on the physiology of soil microorganisms, with particular emphasis on members of the Acidobacteriota phylum. This ubiquitous bacterial phylum comprises astonishing diversity across soils worldwide, yet its functions remain largely unknown due to limited cultivated representatives. Dr. Eichorst's work seeks to elucidate the ecophysiology of Acidobacteriota to understand their success and ubiquity in soil environments. Her research employs a multidisciplinary approach combining genomics, transcriptomics, growth-based experiments, enzyme kinetics, and molecular analyses. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on microbial survival mechanisms under energy limitation, particularly atmospheric gas oxidation (including H 2 ) and the role of different terminal oxidases in soil microbes. Her work demonstrates how these physiological capabilities explain the success of Acidobacteriota in heterogeneous soil environments. She has also pioneered single-cell method development for exploring soil microbial activity using techniques like FISH, NanoSIMS, and Raman microspectroscopy combined with stable isotope tracers. Dr. Eichorst leads active research projects including 'Faktoren, die mikrobielle terminale Oxidasen beeinflussen' (2025-2028), demonstrating her continued leadership in the field. Her work contributes to understanding soil microbial communities that play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functioning.

Andrew P. AultView profile

Professor

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Aerosol Impacts
• Nanoparticle Toxicology
• +3 more

Andrew P. Ault is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Michigan within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He is affiliated with the Center for South Asian Studies as a faculty member. His expertise lies in atmospheric chemistry, particularly studying aerosol and engineered nanoparticle effects on human health and climate. He utilizes advanced instrumentation such as single particle mass spectrometry and Raman microspectroscopy in his research. Education: PhD from University of California, San Diego and BA from Carleton College. Research emphasizes integrated approaches combining field measurements, laboratory analysis of field samples, and controlled experiments with aerosol proxies. He teaches graduate courses in environmental chemistry and special topics in aerosols/atmospheric chemistry. A professional member of AAAR, ACS, and AGU, his work bridges environmental science, public health, and climate modeling without explicitly listed awards or current grants in the provided text.