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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.

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

Clara Chan is a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean & Environment (CEOE), with joint appointments in the School of Marine Science & Policy, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on geomicrobiology, biomineralization, and environmental applications of microbial processes. Dr. Chan's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2006) M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University (1998) B.S. in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University (1997) Her research spans Geomicrobiology , Metagenomics , and Microbial Ecology and Physiology , investigating iron-oxidizing bacteria, biomineralization mechanisms, and bioremediation applications. She examines microbial-mineral interactions across environments from wetlands to hydrothermal vents, with emphasis on environmental mineralogy and geochemistry. Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal consistent focus on iron-oxidizing bacteria ( Sideroxydans , Gallionellaceae , Zetaproteobacteria), exploring molecular oxidation pathways, genomic adaptations, and biogeochemical roles in modern and ancient Earth systems. Key themes include microbial niche expansion, mineral-microbe coevolution, and environmental applications. No major scientific awards were listed in the current profile. Dr. Chan is affiliated with the Microbiology Graduate Program and likely advises graduate students, though specific advisees are not documented. Research grant details were not provided in available materials. Her work is conducted through the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN), leveraging cross-departmental collaborations in Earth Sciences, Marine Policy, and Biological Sciences to study microbial processes in environmental systems.

• Geomicrobiology
• Metagenomics
• Microbial Ecology and Physiology
• +4 more

David Caron is the Captain Allan Hancock Chair in Marine Science and Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He co-founded the Center for Integrated Networked Aquatic Platforms (CINAPS) and is part of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies. His research focuses on marine and freshwater microbial ecology, particularly protist trophic relationships and harmful algal blooms. Caron holds a Ph.D. from the MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Biological Oceanography (1984), an M.S. (1977) and B.S. (1975) in Oceanography and Microbiology from the University of Rhode Island. Research Interests: His work spans protistan ecology, mixotrophic microalgae physiology, Antarctic protist adaptations, and molecular approaches to microbial ecology. He investigates harmful algal bloom dynamics, protist grazing impacts, and the role of environmental drivers in planktonic communities. His studies often integrate field observations, experimental work, and advanced technologies like robotic sampling platforms. Key Achievements: Caron has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and pioneered methods in protistan diversity assessment. He received the AAAS Fellowship (2011), American Academy of Microbiology Fellowship (2007), and the USC Raubenheimer Outstanding Senior Faculty Award (2010–2011). He served as President of the International Society of Protistologists (2004–2005). Grants & Labs: He leads CINAPS, which uses autonomous systems to monitor coastal ecosystems. His lab studies microbial communities in the Southern California Bight, focusing on harmful algal toxins (e.g., domoic acid) and their ecological impacts. Collaborations with engineers and roboticists enhance data collection and environmental modeling efforts.

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Protistan Trophic Relationships
• Harmful Algal Blooms
• +3 more

Borja Valverde Pérez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research advances sustainable water resource recovery through biotechnology innovations. Research focuses on microalgae cultivation, microbial protein production, and bioelectrochemical systems for water treatment. Key projects explore nutrient recovery from waste streams and greenhouse gas mitigation in biological processes. Recent publications demonstrate innovative approaches to wastewater valorization, including microalgae-bacteria consortia for pollutant degradation and inorganic bioelectric systems for low-temperature denitrification. Work integrates experimental validation with life cycle assessment. He coordinates projects on industrial symbiosis and circular economy applications in water systems. Current initiatives investigate decarbonization pathways for water resource recovery facilities through energy-flexible operation.

• Microalgae Biotechnology
• Resource Recovery
• Life Cycle Assessment
• +3 more

Jean Philippe Gibert is the Joanne W. Markman and A. Morris Williams, Jr. Associate Professor of Biology at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. His research bridges ecological and evolutionary dynamics, focusing on microbial food webs and climate change impacts. Education: Ph.D. from University of Nebraska, Lincoln (2016) Research Interests: He investigates how phenotypic traits and their evolution determine predator-prey interactions and food web structure, particularly in microbial systems. Key areas include thermal performance curves, eco-phenotypic feedbacks, and spatially mediated ecological processes. Grants: Recipient of NSF CAREER funding (2024-2029), NSF Collaborative Research (2022-2026), Simons Foundation, and Department of Energy grants. His work spans climate change effects on microbial communities, organic matter decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Teaching: Offers courses in ecology, food web theory, and independent research. Maintains the Gibert Lab, emphasizing quantitative microbial food-web ecology in a changing world.

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbial Ecology
• +4 more

Karla Heidelberg is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She serves as Director of USC Sea Grant Program and RTPC Faculty in the Natural and Social Sciences Divisions. Her research focuses on marine microbial ecology, mixotrophy in protists, and coastal ecosystem dynamics. She holds appointments at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies and collaborates with institutions like the J. Craig Venter Institute. Education: Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine Environmental Science (1999, University of Maryland), B.A. in Individualized Major (1988, Maryville College). Postdoctoral training at University of Maryland (1999–2001). Research Interests: Investigates microbial eukaryotes, zooplankton ecology, and environmental impacts on marine systems. Current projects include mixotrophic protist behavior, microbial diversity in hydrothermal vents, and coastal sediment nitrogen cycling. Past projects include studies on Lake Tyrrell hypersaline ecosystems and Antarctic microbial adaptations. Awards: Includes NSF Director’s Award (2022), multiple USC teaching awards (2017–2013), and U.S. Department of State honors (2004–2003). Recognized for contributions to microbial ecology education and outreach. Advising & Grants: Mentored over 10 graduate researchers. Active in educational outreach through USC Wrigley Institute programs, including REU sites for coastal sustainability and K-12 STEM engagement. Collaborates on NSF-funded initiatives to broaden geosciences diversity. Labs & Affiliations: Leads research at USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Affiliated with Microbiome editorial board and Frontiers in Aquatic Microbiology (2010–2019). Co-leads projects on microbial metagenomics and ocean time-series analysis.

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Zooplankton Ecology
• Mixotrophy in Protists
• +3 more

Sebastian Diehl is a Professor at Umeå University's Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience. His research focuses on mathematical modeling of aquatic ecosystem dynamics, with particular emphasis on consumer-resource interactions and climate change impacts on northern lake ecosystems. Current affiliations: Umeå University (Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience) Previous affiliations: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Professor of Aquatic Ecology) Academic background: Biology undergrad from University of Göttingen, PhD in Animal Ecology from Umeå University (1994) Research interests center around aquatic ecosystem dynamics in response to environmental change, including: Climate change effects on lake ecosystems (temperature and terrestrial nutrient inputs) Mathematical modeling of consumer-resource interactions Benthic-pelagic coupling in nutrient and energy flows Phytoplankton-zooplankton dynamics under environmental stressors Trophic interactions in stream and lake systems Stoichiometric constraints on ecosystem function His recent publications (2025-2020) demonstrate an integrated approach combining mathematical modeling with experimental validation through field studies and lab experiments, focusing particularly on: Climate-induced regime shifts in lake ecosystems Stoichiometric mismatch in warming systems Functional response modeling Vertical niche partitioning in plankton Resource acquisition trade-offs Browning impacts on primary producers Administrative roles include: Final examiner for PhD education Chair of Umeå Marine Science Centre advisory council Steering group member of Integrated Science Lab (IceLab)

• Aquatic Ecology
• Ecological Modeling
• Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystems
• +5 more

Maria Alguero-Muniz is a Researcher at the University of Glasgow , affiliated with the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine . Her work focuses on ocean acidification impacts , plankton community dynamics , and marine ecosystem responses to environmental stressors. Her research spans plankton physiology , trophic interactions , and climate change adaptation in marine systems. Recent projects include eDNA metabarcoding for aquaculture monitoring and upwelling simulations to study carbon cycling. Maria's publications (2012–2025) reveal a thematic focus on marine biogeochemistry , zooplankton ecology , and novel species taxonomy . Key collaborations include institutions studying pelagic food webs and CO2-driven ecological shifts . Scientific awards include funding from The Royal Society of Edinburgh (2021–2022) for planktonic threat monitoring in salmon aquaculture. Her work has been published in Nature Climate Change , Global Biogeochemical Cycles , and Frontiers in Marine Science .

• Marine Biology
• Ocean Acidification
• Plankton Ecology
• +3 more

Per Juel Hansen is a Full Professor in the Marine Biological Section of the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on marine plankton physiology and ecology, with particular emphasis on harmful algal blooms, mixotrophy, and the effects of environmental changes on plankton communities. He leads the Hansen Lab and serves as Section Head of the Marine Biological Section (2021-present, previously 2013-2015). Professor Hansen's research interests center on two main areas: 1) Toxic algae associated with fish kills, where he collaborates with natural product chemists and fish physiologists to discover new algal toxins and understand their mechanisms; and 2) Mixotrophy, studying organisms that can both photosynthesize and consume prey. His work examines the functional biology and physiology of these unique plankton organisms, including 'algae' that eat and 'animals' that utilize stolen chloroplasts. Recent research has investigated the effects of both acidification (low pH) from fossil fuel use and alkalinification (elevated pH) during algal blooms on plankton organisms. His current research projects include MarineBasisDisko (a marine monitoring program in Disko Bay, Greenland, 2022-2024) and HABTOX (studying toxin production in marine bloom-forming microalgae, 2023-2026). Analysis of his recent publications shows strong focus on harmful algal blooms, particularly Prymnesium parvum and Karlodinium armiger , with research spanning toxin production mechanisms, environmental triggers for blooms, and ecological impacts in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Seymour Hutner Price (2007) Arthur E. Schwarting Award (2017) Professor Hansen has an extensive record of research supervision and funding acquisition. He has supervised 40 Master's students, 19 PhD students, and 12 postdocs throughout his career, with 14 Master's and 8 PhD candidates produced between 2010 and present. His research has been supported by substantial external funding, including 2.89 million DKK for HABTOX (2023-2026), 2.5 million DKK for MarineBasisDisko (2022-2024), and numerous other national and international grants totaling over 40 million DKK in the last two decades. He has served as PI on more than 12 national grants and 4 international grants, including EU projects. The Hansen Lab currently includes PhD students Anna Karoline Junker Olesen and Clémence Boucher (co-supervised), along with B.Sc. students Emil Clemen Højenvang and Katrine Maria Larsen. His research group is part of the University of Copenhagen's Marine Biological Section located in Helsingør, with strong connections to the Greenland Environmental Monitoring programme (GEM) through the MarineBasisDisko project. Professor Hansen maintains extensive international collaborations across Europe, North America, and Asia, particularly through projects like HABFISH/SAFEFISH and EU-ITN MixITiN.

• Marine Plankton Physiology
• Mixotrophy
• Harmful Algal Blooms
• +7 more

Dr Mark Poolman is a Senior Research Fellow in Systems Biology at the School of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University . His research focuses on metabolic modeling , systems-wide analysis , and computational approaches to understanding biological processes in plants, microbes, and pathogens. His funded projects include: BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme : Microbes and Food Safety (2023–2028). European Commission -funded work on antimicrobial targets (2021–2025). CCnet project for carbon recycling (2019–2025). Dr Poolman’s work spans photosynthesis , photorespiration , nitrogen fixation , and metabolic engineering in organisms like Clostridium autoethanogenum , Phaeodactylum tricornutum , and Escherichia coli . His recent publications highlight trends in algorithm development for elementary mode analysis , applications of flux balance analysis in plant and microbial systems, and industrial biotechnology for sustainable chemical production.

• Systems Biology
• Metabolic Modeling
• Computational Biology
• +7 more

Dr. Mia Maria Bengtsson is a Senior Scientist and Group Leader at the Department of Microbial Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Greifswald. Her research focuses on microbial ecology, marine microbiomes, and ecosystem interactions. She leads a research group studying microbial communities in aquatic and terrestrial environments, particularly their roles in nutrient cycling and biodiversity. Education : PhD in Biology, University of Bergen (2006–2011) Postdoctoral training at the University of Vienna (2011–2015) under the EU Marie Curie Fellowship Early career roles included positions at Stockholm University and the WasserCluster Lunz Research Interests : Dr. Bengtsson investigates microbial dynamics in diverse ecosystems, including seagrass meadows, coastal sediments, and freshwater systems. Her work emphasizes symbiotic relationships, microbial responses to environmental stressors, and genomic adaptations of diatoms. She employs metagenomic and meta-transcriptomic approaches to understand microbial contributions to global biogeochemical cycles. Awards No scientific awards explicitly listed in the provided materials. Advising & Grants Her career includes parental leave and varied postdoctoral experiences but no explicitly listed advisees or grant details in the text. Labs/Teams Leads the Bengtsson Research Group exploring microbial ecology and systems biology at the University of Greifswald.

• Microbial Ecology
• Marine Microbiology
• Environmental Microbiology
• +3 more

Sarah Hu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on microbial ecology, biological oceanography, and data science, particularly exploring the ecological roles of protists in marine environments. She leads the Hu Lab, which examines protistan communities in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, coastal ecosystems, and transitional ocean zones. Her work integrates molecular approaches, computational biology, and microscopy to understand protist-driven biogeochemical processes. Dr. Hu holds a B.S. in Aquatic & Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington (2011), a Ph.D. in Marine Environmental Biology from the University of Southern California (2018), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2018–2022). Her awards include the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018–2020) and the Katrina J. Edwards Memorial Dissertation Award (2018). Her research investigates protistan trophic strategies (phototrophy, heterotrophy, mixotrophy), their roles in marine food webs, and their responses to environmental changes. Key projects include studying protist diversity at hydrothermal vents, analyzing protistan community dynamics in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, and developing bioinformatic tools like EUKulele for taxonomic annotation. Her lab’s research spans meta’omics, field experiments, and computational modeling, addressing questions about protist distribution, activity, and ecological impacts. Collaborative efforts focus on microbial interactions in extreme environments and improving methodologies for studying microbial eukaryotes.

• Microbial Ecology
• Biological Oceanography
• Marine Microbial Food Webs
• +3 more

Margaret Mulholland is a Professor at the Department of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences , Old Dominion University. Her research focuses on biological oceanography , nitrogen cycling , and harmful algal blooms in marine and estuarine environments. Education : Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography (University of Maryland, 1998) M.M. in Marine Affairs (University of Washington, 1992) M.S. in Biological Oceanography (University of Washington, 1986) B.S. in Geology/Biology (University of Notre Dame, 1984) Research Highlights : Co-PI on multiple ECOHAB grants totaling over $5 million to study harmful algal blooms in Chesapeake Bay Investigated ocean acidification impacts on nitrogen fixation and microbial communities Explored nutrient dynamics in oxygen minimum zones and their effects on marine productivity Developed phycoremediation strategies for wastewater nutrient removal Scientific Contributions : Discovered cyanate utilization as a novel nitrogen source in marine systems Published extensively on dinoflagellate mixotrophy and bloom dynamics Examined climate change effects on coastal and Arctic nitrogen fixation Advising & Collaborations : Mentored numerous graduate students including Paul Bernhardt, Ben Widner, and Katherine Filippino. Collaborated with institutions like NOAA, NASA, and international universities on global nitrogen cycling studies. Labs & Teams : Leads the Marine Biogeochemistry Lab at Old Dominion University, focusing on coastal nutrient budgets and microbial interactions.

• Biological Oceanography
• Nitrogen Cycling
• Carbon Cycling
• +7 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.

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

Dr. Veronica Radice is a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland and a member of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. Her work focuses on coral physiology in relation to environmental conditions, particularly in mesophotic ecosystems, using biogeochemical techniques, genetics, and field experiments to study impacts of ocean warming and thermal stress on coral recovery from bleaching. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, followed by research assistant and lab manager roles at Temple University. Research: Investigates coral trophic ecology, nutrient cycling, and gene expression under climate stress, with fieldwork in the Indo-Pacific and Maldives. Awards: XL Catlin Seaview Survey Ocean Scholar. Expertise: Mesophotic coral ecosystems, coral bleaching resilience, biogeochemistry, and oceanographic influences on reef productivity. Resources: Contributed to datasets and platforms like Mesophotic.org for coral reef research.

• Coral Biology
• Marine Ecology
• Oceanography
• +3 more