Find Academic Supervisors

• Integrated Pest Management
• Entomology
• Agricultural Science
• +4 more

Maria Flavia Pitruzzello is a Research Fellow at the University of Catania , affiliated with the Applied Entomology department. Her work focuses on integrated pest management and multitrophic interactions in agricultural systems. Master's Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology (2022, University of Catania, cum laude) Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology (2020, University of Catania, cum laude) Her research spans three key areas: Insect Behavior : Analyzing parasitoid responses to plant-emitted volatiles using two-way olfactometers. Plant Defense Mechanisms : Studying gene expression changes under drought stress and their effects on pest-natural enemy dynamics. Biopesticide Toxicity : Evaluating lethal and sublethal impacts of natural substances on pests and their biological control agents. The articles listed reflect her focus on agricultural entomology , plant-insect interactions , and biocontrol optimization . Her work integrates molecular biology , ecology , and applied pest management methodologies.

• Foraging ecology
• Nutrients acquisition and allocation rules
• Plant–insect interactions
• +8 more

David Giron is a CNRS Research Scientist (CR1) at the Université François-Rabelais de Tours, affiliated with the Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI). Since 2011, he has served as Vice Director of the IRBI. His research focuses on ecophysiology and behavioral ecology of insects, particularly plant-insect interactions, endophagous insects, and symbiosis involving Wolbachia. He holds a PhD from the IRBI (1999–2002) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Georgia (2002–2005). His work integrates molecular biology, physiology, and ecology to study mechanisms underlying evolutionary ecology. Key research themes include leafminer-induced plant manipulation, cytokinin regulation in plant physiology, and symbiont roles in nutrient acquisition. He leads the 'Ecology of Multitrophic Systems and Biomimetics' team, collaborating with national and international labs. Notable achievements include the Haldane Prize 2002 from the British Ecological Society. His studies on plant manipulation by insects and symbiont-mediated strategies contribute to understanding tritrophic interactions. Current projects explore endosymbiotic communities and molecular mechanisms of plant reprogramming by insects. Education: PhD in Ecophysiology (IRBI, 1999–2002) Awards: Haldane Prize 2002 Labs/Teams: IRBI, Ecology of Multitrophic Systems team

Nathaly Rokssana Guerrero RamírezView profile

Researcher

• Biodiversity
• Ecosystem Functioning
• Macroecology
• +7 more

Dr. Nathaly Rokssana Guerrero Ramírez is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Göttingen, affiliated with the Department of Biodiversity, Macroecology and Biogeography. Her work focuses on scaling biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships, integrating belowground biotic/abiotic components and linking micro- to macro-ecological patterns. Education: Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat., Summa Cum Laude, 2018), Universität Leipzig Master of Biology (2014), Université du Québec à Montréal Bachelor of Environmental Biology (2009), Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano Her research spans taxonomic/functional/phylogenetic diversity, above-belowground interactions, and spatial-temporal frameworks for ecological complexity. She contributes to global initiatives like the Tropical Root Trait Initiative (TropiRoot) and Global Root Traits (GRooT) Database. Dr. Guerrero Ramírez serves as a Board Member for the Society for Tropical Ecology (Gtö) and the Society of Island Biology (SIB). Her methodological approach combines multi-taxa diversity analysis, multitrophic dynamics, and ecosystem service assessments.

Larry DuncanView profile

Professor

• Nematology
• Entomopathogenic Nematodes
• Integrated Pest Management
• +2 more

Larry Duncan is Professor of Nematology at the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Center. His research focuses on ecology and management of plant-parasitic nematodes in citrus, biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), and soil food web dynamics in agricultural systems. Research emphasizes EPN behavior, ecological interactions with nematophagous fungi, and IPM strategies for citrus pests like Diaprepes root weevil. Recent work explores geospatial patterns of EPN distribution, multitrophic interactions in soil ecosystems, and conservation biological control. Field applications include optimizing EPN delivery against Caribbean fruit fly and developing sustainable orchard management practices. Publications demonstrate expertise in EPN taxonomy (description of Steinernema khuongi), molecular detection methods, and cross-kingdom interactions between nematodes, fungi, and arthropods. Collaborative projects span agroecology, pathogen ecology, and precision agriculture technologies.

Andrew NortonView profile

Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biological Control
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Norton is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Colorado State University. His research examines the ecology and evolution of pest organisms and their hosts, with particular focus on multitrophic interactions in biological control systems, indirect effects, and interaction modification. Current research projects include biological control of tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) and toadflaxes (Linaria spp.), interactions between plant resource availability and weed biological control efficacy, and pollinator-mediated competition between invasive weeds and native plants. He teaches courses including AGRI 116 (Plants and Civilizations) and BIOL 500 (Foundations of Biology).

François BuscotView profile

Researcher

• Soil Ecology
• Microbial Diversity
• Global Change Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. François Buscot is a Guest Scientist at the Department of Soil Ecology of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Halle/Saale, Germany. Formerly the head of the Soil Ecology Department and a full professor at the Universities of Jena and Leipzig, his expertise spans soil microbial diversity, plant-microbe interactions, and global change impacts on ecosystems. He leads and collaborates on major projects such as the DFG Research Unit 5571 (PhytOakmeter) and has contributed to initiatives funded by DFG, BMBF, and EU programs like ERA-Net and PRIMA. His research integrates experimental, analytical, and computational approaches to study soil functioning, land use effects, and multitrophic interactions. He has pioneered large-scale field experiments and molecular analysis platforms, while mentoring students and advancing biodiversity research through institutions like the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), which he co-founded. Post-retirement, he continues supporting ongoing projects and collaborates on new initiatives like PhytOakmeter, focusing on clonal oak responses to climate change. His work bridges ecological theory and applied research, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges.

Mariana AbarcaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Insect Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• Conservation Biology
• +2 more

Dr. Mariana Abarca is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Smith College. She holds a Ph.D. from George Washington University and studies insect ecology with focus on plant-insect interactions under global change pressures. Her research examines how anthropogenic threats like climate change, habitat loss, and pollution impact insect populations through field experiments and ecological modeling. Research explores thermal stress impacts on Lepidoptera development, phenological mismatches in trophic interactions, and conservation strategies for declining pollinators. Current projects investigate evolutionary trade-offs in herbivore diet breadth across urbanization gradients and thermal performance curves in insects. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on climate change impacts (60%), plant-insect interactions (30%), and conservation applications (10%). Recent works increasingly incorporate meta-analytical approaches and multi-stressor frameworks.

Tara PirieView profile

Lecturer

• Ecology
• Animal Behaviour
• Conservation
• +3 more

Dr. Tara Pirie is a Lecturer in Ecology and Conservation at the University of Surrey's School of Biosciences. She holds a PhD in leopard and carnivore ecology and conservation from South Africa, alongside a BSc (Hons) in Zoology. Prior to academia, she worked as a zookeeper managing species like White Rhino, tigers, lemurs, and kangaroos, and trained as a safari guide to observe wildlife in natural habitats. Her research focuses on Ecology Animal Behaviour Conservation strategies for big cats and African predators with recent work emphasizing human-wildlife interactions and urban ecological systems. Recent publications explore sloth bear conservation in India, pest ecology in agricultural systems, and urban cat behavior impacts. No scientific awards explicitly listed. Her teaching and research bridge field observations with applied conservation challenges, leveraging her multidisciplinary background in zoo practice and academic research.

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.

Russell BorskiView profile

Professor

• Aquaculture
• Fish Physiology
• Environmental Biology
• +3 more

Russell Borski is a Professor in the Department of Biology at North Carolina State University (NC State). His research focuses on fish physiology, endocrinology, and aquaculture, with particular emphasis on environmental influences on fish biology, sex determination, and metabolic processes. He has contributed significantly to understanding the hormonal regulation of growth, stress responses, and energy homeostasis in teleost fishes. His work integrates molecular, ecological, and applied approaches to address challenges in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management. Key research areas include: Temperature-dependent sex determination in flatfishes Metabolic and endocrine regulation of growth and energy reserves Effects of diet and feeding strategies on fish health and productivity Microbial ecology and gut health in aquaculture systems Genetic and environmental interactions in fish development His studies often bridge basic science and applied aquaculture, aiming to improve fish production efficiency while minimizing ecological impacts. Notable contributions include advancements in hybrid striped bass physiology, lepidopteran signaling pathways in fish, and community-based aquaculture initiatives in Southeast Asia. Collaborative projects include partnerships with institutions like Central Luzon State University and initiatives focused on marginalized communities in Bangladesh and the Philippines, emphasizing sustainable livelihoods through aquaculture.

Clare CasteelView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant-virus-vector interactions
• Plant-insect interactions
• Molecular ecology
• +5 more

Clare Casteel is an Associate Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, specializing in the Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section. She leads research on plant-microbe-insect interactions with expertise in molecular mechanisms of pathogen defense, agroecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation strategies. Education: Doctorate in Plant Biology, University of Illinois – Champaign/Urbana (2010) Master of Science, University of California – Riverside (2005) Bachelor of Science, University of Missouri – Columbia (2003) Research Focus: Her laboratory investigates pathogenic and beneficial microbial functions in plant-insect systems. Primary themes include: molecular mechanisms of virus-vector manipulation; chemical ecology of multitrophic interactions; soil microbiome dynamics in organic farming; and engineering microbe-mediated climate resilience in agroecosystems. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2019-2023) demonstrate consistent focus on viral effector proteins, plant stress responses, and vector behavior manipulation. Key patterns include drought resilience mechanisms in crops, hormone signaling in pathogen transmission, and organic farming impacts on plant-microbe-insect networks. Honors & Awards: 2023 Mid-Career Award Plant Genome Research Program (National Science Center) 2018 Early Career Award Plant Genome Research Program (NSF) 2017 ASPB Women’s Young Investigator Travel Award 2016 Neish Young Investigator Award 2014 MPMI Young Investigator Travel Grant 2013 USDA-NIFA Postdoctoral Fellowship Teaching & Outreach: Teaches graduate courses in Molecular Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions (PLSCI 6010) and Plant Interactions Seminar (ENTOM 7640). Extension work focuses on organic agriculture, virus management, and climate-resilient farming practices. Laboratory: Directs the Casteel Lab investigating microbe engineering for sustainable agriculture. Current projects include beneficial microbiome applications and pathogen defense mechanisms in plant-vector systems.

Stephen PorderView profile

Professor

• Terrestrial Ecosystems
• Biogeochemistry
• Nutrient Cycling
• +2 more

Stephen Porder is the Acacia Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology and Environment and Society at Brown University. His interdisciplinary research integrates ecology, biogeochemistry, and geology to understand terrestrial ecosystem functions, human impacts, and sustainability solutions. He directs the Porder Lab, which investigates nutrient cycling in tropical forests and climate change mitigation strategies. Education: PhD, Stanford University (2005) MS, University of Montana (1997) BA, Amherst College (1994) Research Focus: Porder's work examines how elements like nitrogen and phosphorus shape ecosystems, particularly in tropical forests. His lab studies: Nutrient constraints on carbon sequestration Plant-microbe-soil interactions Impacts of agricultural intensification Enhanced weathering for CO₂ removal Ecosystem recovery in secondary forests Publication Trends: His recent articles (2019-2025) demonstrate a focus on tropical biogeochemistry, including nitrogen fixation dynamics, phosphorus cycling in agricultural systems, and carbon-nutrient interactions under climate change. Studies frequently employ field experiments, LiDAR remote sensing, and isotopic tracing across Brazilian and Costa Rican forests. Teaching: Courses include Terrestrial Biogeochemistry (BIOL 1480), Climate Solutions (ENVS 0465), and Feeding Ten Billion (ENVS 1553), reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to environmental education.

Shuqing XuView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecological Communities
• Climate Change Adaptation
• +4 more

Professor Shuqing Xu is a full Professor of Evolutionary Plant Sciences at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME) of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) . He leads the 'Real-time (co)evolution in a multitrophic community under current and future climates' project, funded by a EUR 2 million ERC Consolidator Grant to investigate ecological community responses to climate change. Current affiliation: JGU, Mainz Previous positions: W2 Professor at University of Münster, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Education: PhD (2011) at ETH Zurich, studies in Cell Biology & Genetics in China Xu's research focuses on multitrophic interactions , transgenerational adaptation , and genetic responses to climate change . His team uses duckweed-aphid-water flea systems to study coevolution in heated and control mesocosm ecosystems , combining genomic sequencing with microscopy analysis . Recent publications analyze plant-insect dynamics (2025), epigenetic interactions (2025), metabolic adaptation (2024), and genomic mechanisms in Spirodela polyrhiza (2024). His work explores transgenerational plasticity , niche choice evolution , and chemical defense systems . Scientific recognition includes: ERC Consolidator Grant Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship International Society of Chemical Ecology - Early Career Award The Evolutionary Plant Sciences lab at JGU studies ecosystem evolution , plant-animal interactions , and genetic adaptation using experimental ponds, transcriptomics, and CRISPR-based genome editing.

• Community Ecology
• Macroecology
• Biodiversity
• +5 more

Dr. Stefan Klotz is Head of the Research Unit 'Ecosystems of the Future' and the Department of Community Ecology at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Halle, Germany. He holds a Diploma in Biology and Chemistry (1984) and a PhD in Phyto-Ecology (1996) from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg. His research integrates community ecology, macroecology, and global change biology, focusing on biodiversity responses to climate change, land-use intensification, and invasive species. Key interests include ecosystem resilience, vegetation science, and ecological database development. Publications emphasize biodiversity dynamics under global change, with recurring themes in pollination networks, invasive species impacts, grassland resilience, and plant trait databases. Recent work advances large-scale ecological monitoring and experimental infrastructures. Professional Leadership & Projects: Board Member, International Association for Ecology (INTECOL) General Secretary, European Ecological Federation (EEF) Coordinator: EXPEER (EU ecosystem research infrastructure), ALARM (biodiversity risks), LEGATO (land-use engineering), and ALTER-Net (European biodiversity network) He leads UFZ's Community Ecology team, overseeing research on climate-ecosystem interactions and mentoring in macroecology, molecular ecology, and conservation biology.

Ines Sviličić PetrićView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental Pollution
• Microbial Ecotoxicology
• +5 more

Dr. Ines Sviličić Petrić is an Assistant Professor and Senior Scientist at the Ruđer Bošković Institute's Division for Marine and Environmental Research, leading the Laboratory for Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology in Zagreb, Croatia. She holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Zagreb (2009) and completed postdoctoral research at INRA France (2010-2011). Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Ecology (2002) and PhD in Microbiology (2009), both from the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Sciences. She has established herself as a leading researcher in environmental microbiology with significant contributions to understanding microbial responses to anthropogenic stressors. Sviličić Petrić's research centers on microbial ecology under environmental stress, with particular expertise in climate change impacts on rhizosphere microbiomes , anthropogenic pollution effects on marine microbial communities , and antibiotic resistance dynamics in aquatic environments . Her work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with practical applications for sustainable agriculture and marine ecosystem management, notably through EU-funded projects addressing climate-smart agricultural solutions. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on climate change adaptation mechanisms, with 60% of articles examining microbial responses to extreme weather events and pollution stressors. Her work demonstrates increasing integration of multi-omics approaches and field studies, with significant emphasis on Adriatic Sea ecosystems and agricultural soil microbiomes. The research consistently connects microbial community dynamics to broader environmental management goals, particularly Good Environmental Status frameworks. As Principal Investigator, she leads two major projects: the EU-funded 'Exploring adaptation potential of rhizosphere microbiome to climate change' addressing agricultural sustainability under climate change, and the Croatian Science Foundation's 'MicroLink' project investigating microbial indicators for marine coastal zone quality assessment. Her research has secured substantial funding through EU structural funds and national grants. Her laboratory operates at the intersection of environmental microbiology and climate adaptation science, maintaining strong collaborations with European research networks including the EcotoxicoMic international network. The team focuses on translating microbial ecology insights into practical monitoring tools and sustainable agricultural practices, with particular attention to Mediterranean coastal ecosystems and agricultural regions vulnerable to climate change impacts.