Find Academic Supervisors

• Theoretical Ecology
• Applied Mathematics
• Population Dynamics
• +5 more

Michael Russell Golinski is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of New Mexico. He holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Biology from New Mexico State University (2006) and combines expertise in theoretical ecology and applied mathematics. Education: Ph.D. (Theoretical Biology), New Mexico State University, 2006. His research focuses on population and community dynamics, particularly: Developing statistical and mathematical models for estimating organismal occupancy, abundance, and density. Analyzing temporal and spatio-temporal dynamics of nonlinear ecological systems across multitrophic interactions (predator–prey, host–parasite, mutualist–host). Investigating ecological responses to environmental variability using nonlinear time series analysis, with applications to diapausing insect populations, arthropod-borne viruses, and climate change. Studying nonlinear dynamics of infectious diseases (e.g., H5N1 avian influenza, Dengue, HIV) in relation to environmental drivers. Exploring the relationship between structure and dynamics in large ecological interaction networks (consumer-resource, mutualistic, parasitic links).

Stéphane HacquardView profile

Research Professor

• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Root Microbiota
• Microbial Community Ecology
• +5 more

Stéphane Hacquard is a Research Group Leader in the Department of Plant Microbe Interactions at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany. His research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that underlie the structure and functions of multi-kingdom microbial consortia colonizing plant roots. Hacquard leads the Multitrophic Plant-Microbe Interactions group, where his team combines microbial community profiling data from natural A. thaliana populations with reference microbial culture collections and gnotobiotic plant systems to dissect how both host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions impact microbial community structure and plant health. His research interests include: Plant-microbe interactions and communication Root microbiota composition and function Microbial community ecology in plant systems Metabolomics of plant-microbe systems Synthetic microbial communities Plant immunity and microbiome engineering Hacquard's recent work has revealed fascinating connections between root microbiota composition belowground and aboveground leaf development, leading to his ERC Consolidator Grant project MICROBIOSIS in 2023. His team recently developed an innovative system called MetaFlowTrain for studying metabolic communication in microbial communities. His scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (MICROBIOSIS project, 2023) ERC Starting Grant (MICRORULES project) Hacquard's research is supported by multiple funding sources including the ERC StG MICRORULES, the ERC CoG MICROBIOSIS, the DFG priority program DECRyPT, as well as CEPLAS and the Max Planck Society. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques including metabolome, microbiome and grafting techniques, genetic engineering methods, and advanced gnotobiotic plant growth systems. The Multitrophic Plant-Microbe Interactions group maintains strong collaborations across multiple institutions and has established important resources including reference microbial culture collections and extensive microbial genome data that serve as key resources for identifying genetic determinants of microbial adaptation to plant roots.

Piotr TrebickiView profile

Researcher

• Plant Virology
• Entomology
• Climate Change Impacts
• +3 more

Dr. Piotr Trebicki is a Researcher in Insect Vectors at Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University. He holds external roles as a Visiting Scientist at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (2023–present), Senior Fellow (Honorary) at the University of Melbourne (2020–present), and previously served as Senior Research Scientist at Agriculture Victoria (2013–2022) and Research Associate at Michigan State University (2011–2012). His research focuses on plant virology, entomology, and climate change impacts on plant-pathogen-insect interactions. Key areas include aphid-mediated virus transmission (e.g., BYDV, TuYV), climate-driven pest dynamics, and agricultural disease management strategies. He bridges plant virology, entomology, and physiology to address food security challenges under climate change. Recent work emphasizes virus resistance in crops like canola and oilseed rape, as well as invasive pest genetics and Wolbachia symbiosis. His studies on elevated CO₂ and temperature effects on aphid–plant–virus interactions provide critical insights for sustainable agriculture. Current Projects: AI-driven pest monitoring (banana/fruit spotting bugs) Hemp pest biological control strategies Awards: None explicitly listed, though his work has been cited 7 times (h-index 2 as of 2023). Labs/Teams: Collaborates widely in global plant health networks, contributing to initiatives like the AGFACE CO₂ enrichment program and iMapPESTS surveillance tools.

Alexander GaffkeView profile

Researcher

• Chemical Ecology
• Biological Control
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. Alexander Gaffke is a Research Entomologist at USDA-ARS-CMAVE since 2022, focusing on chemical ecology and biological control. His interdisciplinary work integrates analytical chemistry, insect behavior, and agronomy to enhance multitrophic interactions for pest management. He holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Environmental Sciences from Montana State University. Dr. Gaffke has secured over $250,000 in grants and advises federal, state, and tribal agencies. His research emphasizes semiochemical applications for weed biocontrol, entomopathogenic nematode dynamics, and minimizing non-target impacts. He actively mentors graduate students and presents at national/international conferences. Key research areas include optimizing biological control agents via semiochemical lures, investigating plant-insect-microorganism signals, and resolving ecological conflicts like tallow tree control and beekeeping safety. His lab’s work bridges chemical ecology with practical agronomic solutions, addressing invasive species management and sustainable crop production. Dr. Gaffke’s grant-funded projects and advisory roles highlight his commitment to applied research, translating ecological insights into actionable strategies for environmental stewardship and agricultural resilience.

Dineshkumar KandasamyView profile

Researcher

• Microbial ecology
• Bark beetles
• Insect-microbe symbiosis
• +3 more

Dineshkumar Kandasamy is a Researcher in the Pheromone Group at the Department of Biology, Lund University . His work focuses on bark beetle sensory biology and their ecological interactions with fungal symbionts. Research interests include: Insect-microbe symbiosis Chemical ecology of bark beetles Microbial ecology in forest ecosystems Multitrophic interactions involving conifers, insects, and fungi Recent publications explore: Volatile organic compound detection mechanisms in Ips typographus Fungal metabolite-guided host location behavior Climatic drivers of bark beetle population dynamics Projects include: Lead Swedish Research Council grant on insect-fungal symbiosis Co-supervision of climate change impact on host range expansion

Rudolf Philippe RohrView profile

Lecturer

• Theoretical Ecology
• Evolutionary Dynamics
• Ecological Networks
• +5 more

Rudolf Philippe Rohr is a Senior Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Fribourg , where he leads the Theoretical Ecology and Evolution group within the Department of Biology under the Faculty of Science and Medicine . His research spans coexistence theory, eco-evolutionary dynamics, and ecological network analysis. Education: PhD in Interdisciplinary Science (Mathematics-Physics), University of Geneva (2008) M.Sc. in Physics, University of Geneva (2003) Diploma of ETS Engineer in Electricity (Applied Physics), Geneva (1998) Research Focus includes understanding how coevolutionary trajectories shape communities and ecosystems through a multidimensional structural approach to coexistence theory. He combines field data, theoretical models, and numerical simulations to study biodiversity-functioning relationships, ecological network architecture, and the impacts of environmental change. Selected Publications (2019-2025) cover topics like biodiversity-stability relationships, eco-evolutionary feedback loops, species interaction networks, and microbial community dynamics. Recent work explores temperature impacts on ecosystem functioning and the viability of complex ecological networks. Collaborations include partnerships with Prof. Louis-Félix Bersier (Fribourg), Prof. Serguei Saavedra (MIT), and researchers from Sorbonne University, Eawag, and Swiss research institutions. Contact: rudolf.rohr@unifr.ch | ORCID

Jake AlexanderView profile

Lecturer

• Plant Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Climate Change Ecology
• +3 more

Jake Alexander is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Institute of Integrative Biology. His research sits at the intersection of ecology and evolution, focusing on plant species distribution dynamics, invasive species control, and climate change responses in alpine ecosystems. Institution: ETH Zürich Academic Rank: Lecturer Research Focus: Plant community assembly, species interactions, and climate change adaptation His work examines how species interactions (e.g., competition, facilitation) and environmental gradients influence plant diversity in mountain systems. Key projects include MIREN (Mountain Invasion Research Network) and experimental climate warming studies on the Calanda mountain in Switzerland. He integrates field experiments, mathematical models, and trait-based analyses to address ecological challenges. Recent publications highlight his expertise in invasive plant spread in mountain regions, novel species interactions under climate change, and functional trait dynamics in community assembly. Specific topics include elevation-dependent phenology, arbuscular mycorrhizal associations, and genetic adaptation in non-native species. Current lab members include doctoral students and postdocs working on projects like Arctic greening and adaptive responses to warming . His teaching emphasizes applying ecological theory to conservation and management, particularly in alpine environments.

Guillaume BlanchetView profile

Assistant Professor

• Community Ecology
• Statistical Ecology
• Spatial Modelling
• +4 more

Guillaume Blanchet is an Assistant Professor in the Département de biologie at Université de Sherbrooke. His research group develops innovative modeling approaches for complex biological systems in biodiversity and health sciences, integrating ecology, informatics, mathematics, and statistics. Blanchet's work focuses on spatial and spatiotemporal modeling, multivariate statistics, and numerical ecology to analyze biodiversity patterns and health-related data. His interdisciplinary approach aims to enhance prediction and management capabilities for ecological and health systems through advanced data utilization. Recent publications demonstrate Blanchet's focus on ecological modeling (trait-based interactions, meta-ecosystems), Arctic ecosystem dynamics, IoT applications in health diagnostics, and advanced statistical methods for data imputation and biomarker analysis. His work consistently integrates cross-disciplinary approaches to address complex biological questions.

Simone WeidnerView profile

Researcher

• Microbial Ecology
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Soil Science
• +3 more

Dr. Simone Weidner is a Researcher at the Department of Environmental Biology within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University. Her research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly investigating how microbial communities influence CO 2 emissions from Dutch peatlands. She is a core member of the NOBV ('National research program on greenhouse gases from peatlands') consortium, aiming to reduce emissions through mechanistic understanding of microbial roles in peat oxidation. She holds a PhD from Utrecht University (2019) titled Linking microbial community assembly and function: diversity, multitrophic interactions and post-disturbance microbiome reassembly . Her work spans topics such as microbial community dynamics, biocontrol strategies, and the impacts of microbial diversity on plant-soil feedbacks. Key research themes include soil microbiology, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. She has contributed to projects funded by NWO (2015–2019), exploring multispecies microbial inoculants for sustainable crop protection. Her publications highlight studies on microbial networks, protozoa effects on plant beneficial bacteria, and competition/predation dynamics in soil ecosystems. While currently no awards are listed, her research aligns with national climate goals to reduce peatland emissions to 1.0 Mton by 2030.

Sean PragerView profile

Associate Professor

• Entomology
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Vector Biology
• +7 more

Sean Prager is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. His research focuses on insect ecology, including both fundamental studies of multitrophic interactions and adaptive traits, and applied work on ecologically sustainable pest management strategies, particularly for disease vectors. He holds an adjunct role in the Department of Biology and collaborates widely on interdisciplinary projects. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology from Brock University (Canada) and B.A. in Biology from Clark University (USA). His research group emphasizes understanding insect behavior, plant-pathogen-vector interactions, and the impacts of biotic/abiotic stressors on ecological systems. Current projects include developing economic thresholds for pea aphid management, evaluating climate change impacts on pest distributions, and investigating plant defense signaling pathways in phytoplasma-infected insects. Led by the Prager Lab, his work bridges fundamental ecology with applied solutions, with a focus on crops like lentil, faba bean, and potato. The lab provides limited virus detection services for plant diseases and collaborates on pollinator protection strategies. Recent publications highlight innovations in molecular diagnostics, pest behavior analysis, and sustainable IPM approaches.

Wolfgang WeisserView profile

Professor

• Ecological Interactions
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Sustainable Land Use
• +3 more

Prof. Wolfgang Weisser holds the Chair of Terrestrial Ecology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the TUM School of Life Sciences. His research focuses on ecological interactions between organisms and their consequences for populations, communities, and ecosystems, with emphases on land-use impacts on biodiversity and sustainable land-use strategies. He studied Biology and Mathematics at the Universities of Gießen and Bayreuth, earned his PhD in Zoology at the University of Oxford (1994), and held postdoctoral positions at Imperial College London and the University of Basel before becoming Professor of Terrestrial Ecology at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (1999) before joining TUM in 2011. His key research areas include biodiversity-ecosystem functioning, plant-insect interactions, and urban ecology. Specific interests include the effects of agricultural intensification, deadwood decomposition, and urban green infrastructure design on biodiversity. His work combines field experiments with advanced technologies like drone-based remote sensing and metabarcoding. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, such as using acoustic monitoring for biodiversity assessment and developing frameworks for integrating biodiversity into urban planning. Recent studies address global challenges like insect decline and the coexistence of urban development with ecological functions. His contributions bridge ecology with applied solutions, influencing policy and sustainable land management strategies. Ongoing projects focus on multispecies urban design, forest biodiversity conservation, and the interplay between plant chemical diversity and arthropod communities.

• Nematology
• Entomopathogenic Nematodes
• Symbiosis
• +12 more

S. Patricia Stock is a Professor and Director of the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona. She holds a joint appointment in the Department of Entomology and is also a Professor in the Honors College. Her academic journey began in Argentina, where she earned her B.S. and Ph.D. from Universidad Nacional de La Plata, followed by research at UC Davis before joining the University of Arizona in 2001. B.S. in Biology (Zoology), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina Ph.D. in Natural Sciences (Parasitology and Nematology), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina Postdoctoral Training, University of California, Davis Dr. Stock's research centers on entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema and Heterorhabditis) and their bacterial symbionts (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus), which serve as a model system for studying terrestrial animal-microbe symbiosis. Her work explores host-symbiont interactions, multitrophic dynamics, nematode biodiversity, and the discovery of bioactive compounds with agricultural applications. She has contributed significantly to the understanding of symbiont-assisted resource acquisition, pheromone production, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the molecular and ecological mechanisms underlying nematode-bacterial symbioses, including bacterial competition, virulence modulation, and environmental adaptation. Themes across her work include microbial interactions, evolutionary biology, and sustainable pest management. Scientific Awards and Honors: Founders Lecture Award, Society for Invertebrate Pathology (2018) Fulbright Scholar, Senior Specialist Program (2006) David E. Cox Faculty Teaching Award, University of Arizona (2014) President, Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America (2009) Academic Leadership Fellow, UA Academic Leadership Program (2011) Multiple honors appointments in the University of Arizona Honors College (2014–2017) Dr. Stock has served in numerous leadership roles, including editor of the book Insect Pathogens: Molecular Approaches and Techniques , associate editor for several journals, and active participation in scientific societies such as SIP, SON, ONTA, and ISS. She mentors students and advises on research projects, contributing to both basic science and applied biological control strategies.

Stefan HalleView profile

Professor

• Behavioural Ecology
• Small Mammal Ecology
• Diel Activity Patterns
• +7 more

Stefan Halle is a Professor at the Faculty of Biological Sciences of Friedrich Schiller University Jena, where he holds the Professorship for Ecology since 1996. His research focuses on behavioural ecology of small mammals , including spatio-temporal activity patterns , dispersal mechanisms , predator-prey dynamics , and landscape ecology . Executive Director (2017–2020), Institute of Ecology and Evolution Coordinating Docent, Master’s Program Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (MEES, 2011–2021) Dean for Study Affairs (2007–2010), Faculty of Biological Sciences His work integrates theoretical ecology with experimental field studies , particularly on vole population cycles and habitat fragmentation. Recent publications highlight his contributions to biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research and multitrophic interactions in grasslands. Stefan Halle has supervised numerous international research collaborations, including the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS), and has been a key figure in analyzing degraded ecosystems through molecular and chemical techniques. His career spans roles at the University of Oslo, Philipps University Marburg, and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich.

Stefan KühneView profile

Professor

• Entomology
• Plant Protection
• Organic Farming
• +3 more

Stefan Kühne serves as an Honorary Professor of Plant Protection in Organic Farming at the Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Germany's Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants. His work is primarily conducted through the Institute for Strategies and Impact Assessment, where he focuses on entomological research and sustainable plant protection methods within organic agriculture systems. His research interests span entomology, organic farming systems, plant protection strategies, beneficial-pest interactions, and copper use in agriculture. Kühne has extensively studied the Colorado potato beetle, developing biological control methods that have become essential for organic potato cultivation. His work on hedgerows and landscape elements demonstrates his commitment to integrating biodiversity conservation with practical farming approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of entomological research for organic farming. His work spans from developing novel monitoring techniques for pests like black fungus gnats to comprehensive studies on non-chemical pest management in wheat systems. A consistent theme throughout his research is the development of viable alternatives to synthetic pesticides, with special attention to copper alternatives in plant protection. Co-Chair of the Working Group "Beneficial Arthropods & Entomopathogenic Nematodes" at the German Society for General and Applied Entomology (DGaaE) Active member of the International Society of Organic Agriculture Research (ISOFAR) Member of the German Phytomedical Society (DPG) Kühne's research bridges the gap between fundamental entomological science and practical agricultural applications. His work on multimedia educational tools like the "Potato Practice Diary" demonstrates his commitment to knowledge transfer to farmers and advisors. His extensive publication record, particularly on Colorado potato beetle management, has established him as a leading expert in organic plant protection methods. His research on copper alternatives addresses one of the most challenging issues in organic farming today.

• Marine Biology
• Ecology
• Genomics
• +7 more

Dr. Bárbara Bilreiro de Mendonça Frazão is a marine biologist and researcher at the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) , specializing in marine genomics, proteomics, and harmful algal bloom (HAB) ecology. With a PhD in Biology (2017) and MSc in Hydrobiology (2008) from the University of Porto, she has over 15 years of experience in marine organism sampling, microalgae culture, and laboratory quality management. Current roles: Researcher (IPMA), Quality Auditor, ICES Working Group Member Key research areas: Marine genomics, Cnidarian evolution, HAB taxonomy, marine biotechnology Education: PhD in Biology (2017) - University of Porto, Faculty of Sciences MSc in Hydrobiology (2008) - University of Porto, Faculty of Sciences Licence in Biology and Geology Teaching (2003) - University of Aveiro Research Interests focus on marine organism genomics, particularly Cnidaria, harmful phytoplankton ecology, and marine biotechnology applications. Her work bridges fundamental research with practical laboratory management, emphasizing quality standards (ISO/IEC 17025:2018) and environmental monitoring protocols. Recent Publications demonstrate expertise in: Ciguatera risk assessment in Madeira Islands Intertidal sea anemone genetics Giant squid genome sequencing Marine cyanobacteria biotechnology Jellyfish toxin characterization Phytoplankton monitoring methodologies Scientific Contributions include: Development of MarinEye marine monitoring system Establishment of LEGE culture collection Leadership in SNMB Monitor bivalve sector sustainability project Expertise in HAB identification and analysis Training & Mentorship encompasses: Co-supervision of Master's students Supervision of research fellows Implementation of laboratory quality protocols Development of educational workshops for schools