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Karoline FaustView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial community dynamics
• Microbial systems biology
• Bioinformatics
• +6 more

Karoline Faust is an Associate Professor at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology (Rega Institute) and the Faculty of Medicine . She contributes to the iSi Health and Leuven One Health institutes, and serves on senior academic councils. Her research spans microbial systems biology, focusing on community dynamics and network analysis. Education: PhD in bioinformatics (2010, KU Leuven) Affiliations: KU Leuven, ISME Journal editorial board, Belgian Society for Microbiology Her research investigates microbial community dynamics , systems biology approaches to microbiomes, and bioinformatics tool development . She specializes in modeling human gut microbiota , synthetic microbial communities , and environmental microbiomes (e.g., microplastic impacts on Daphnia microbiomes). Her work integrates metabolic modeling , network analysis , and experimental systems to understand microbial interactions. Recent publications highlight her contributions to microbial network inference , 16S rRNA sequencing protocols , microfluidics , and ecological modeling of microbiomes. She develops tools like manta , miaSim , and CoNet to analyze community structures. Teaching: Karoline co-teaches courses in microbiology, bioinformatics, and network analysis at KU Leuven, and has contributed to international workshops on microbial network inference. Scientific Engagement: She serves as Senior Editor at ISME Journal and Secretary of the Belgian Society for Microbiology .

Nicole M. GaspariniView profile

Associate Professor

• Fluvial Geomorphology
• Tectonic Geomorphology
• Landscape Evolution
• +2 more

Nicole M. Gasparini is an Associate Professor in Tulane University's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Science & Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2003) and researches fluvial/tectonic geomorphology, landscape evolution modeling, and climate-erosion interactions using tools like Landlab. Her work investigates sediment transport, river network evolution, and human impacts on landscapes. Research integrates field data with numerical models to quantify erosion processes across diverse environments. Publications demonstrate expertise in geomorphic model development, particularly through contributions to the Landlab toolkit. Recent articles focus on climatic controls on erosion, fault geomorphology, and uncertainty quantification in earth-surface models. Awards: Marguerite T. Williams Award for contributions to geosciences and advocacy against harassment in STEM Leads collaborative projects on landscape response to climate change and mentors students/postdocs in geomorphology and computational modeling.

Seth FinneganView profile

Professor

• Marine Paleobiology
• Extinction Selectivity
• Environmental Proxy Analysis
• +3 more

Seth Finnegan is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and affiliated with the University of California Museum of Paleontology. His research focuses on understanding the processes shaping marine ecosystems and biota from the late Neoproterozoic to the present, with a particular emphasis on the Ordovician Period and mass extinctions. He integrates field observations, laboratory data, and literature databases to study extinction selectivity, environmental proxies (e.g., stable isotopes, biomarkers), and ecosystem reconstructions. His lab, the Finnegan Lab, explores themes such as organism-environment interactions and the drivers of biodiversity changes. Finnegan’s work has been widely published in journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Geology , and he collaborates with institutions globally. Despite no listed awards here, his contributions to paleontology are significant.

John Warren HuntleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Paleobiology
• Paleoecology
• Conservation Paleobiology
• +2 more

Dr. John Warren Huntley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Missouri. His research examines the fossil record of biotic interactions including parasitism, predation, and competition, with additional focus on conservation paleobiology and morphological disparity evolution. Dr. Huntley investigates host-parasite dynamics in marine bivalves, human impacts on mollusk populations, and Phanerozoic predation patterns. His work integrates stratigraphic paleobiology with ecological and evolutionary analyses to reconstruct historical ecosystem dynamics. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in paleoparasitology, taphonomy, and conservation paleobiology, applying novel analytical methods to questions about parasite-host coevolution, preservation biases, and extinction events. This research provides critical insights into long-term ecological patterns and biological responses to environmental change. Dr. Huntley has received significant recognition including an NSF CAREER Award and Humboldt Research Fellowship, and he co-edited the comprehensive volumes 'The Evolution and Fossil Record of Parasitism'.

Natalia RybczynskiView profile

Research Professor

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Functional Morphology
• +7 more

Natalia Rybczynski is an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Her primary research focuses on Paleobiology and Paleoenvironments of the Cenozoic High Arctic and functional morphology of vertebrate feeding and locomotion systems. She holds offices at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Gatineau and coordinates interdisciplinary projects on Arctic paleoenvironments, pinniped evolution, and vertebrate herbivore feeding mechanisms. Education: B.Sc. in Biology, Carleton University M.Sc. in Zoology, University of Toronto Ph.D. in Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University Research Interests: Reconstructing Arctic paleoenvironments during the Neogene Evolutionary transitions in marine mammals (e.g., pinnipeds) Feeding kinematics in herbivorous vertebrates like hadrosaurs Integration of field-based paleontology with biomechanical and anatomical analyses Her publications span paleoclimatology, fossil analysis, and evolutionary studies, emphasizing Arctic ecosystems and vertebrate adaptations. Collaborative work includes geoscientists to reconstruct ancient Arctic climates and anatomists to model feeding systems in extinct species. Active in field expeditions and lab-based experimental studies. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Canadian Museum of Nature researchers and international teams in Arctic paleontology projects. Engages in interdisciplinary initiatives like the PoLAR-FIT project studying Pliocene Arctic ecosystems.

Julie FosdickView profile

Associate Professor

• Thermochronology
• Tectonics
• Sedimentary Basin Analysis
• +2 more

Dr. Julie Fosdick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut. She directs the Basin Analysis and Helium Thermochronology Laboratory and serves as Undergraduate Research Coordinator. Her educational background includes: PhD and MS in Geological & Environmental Sciences (Stanford University) BS in Geological Sciences (UC Santa Barbara, high honors) She completed an NSF Earth Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Arizona. Fosdick's research reconstructs: mountain-building and erosion processes through: Detrital thermochronology of orogenic systems Sedimentary basin analysis Tectonic-sedimentation interactions Paleotopography evolution Her NSF CAREER Award supports studies of sediment recycling in Argentina's Sierras Pampeanas. Current investigations examine: Post-glacial landscape evolution in Arctic Canada Andean hinterland tectonic development San Andreas Fault dynamics through Neogene deposits Greenland paleoclimate from subglacial sediments Her lab employs multi-method geochronology and thermal history modeling. Fieldwork spans global locations including: Argentine Andes Alaskan Range Greenland ice sheet California fault systems She maintains active collaborations across geoscience disciplines.

• Paleontology
• Stratigraphy
• Biostratigraphy
• +9 more

Elena Turco is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences at the University of Parma, Italy, holding this position since 2015 after serving as a University researcher from 2000 to 2015. Her academic foundation includes a post-doctoral fellowship at Utrecht University and doctoral training through a consortium of Italian universities. Education: PhD in Earth Sciences (1995), consortium of Universities of Ferrara, Florence, Parma and Pavia Degree in Geological Sciences (1991), University of Parma Her research centers on high-resolution biostratigraphy and biochronology of planktonic foraminiferal assemblages across the Oligo-Miocene boundary, utilizing astronomical and magnetostratigraphic calibration. She investigates paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic dynamics of Miocene Mediterranean and oceanic environments, with emphasis on sedimentary cyclicity and foraminiferal-sediment facies relationships. Her work integrates micropaleontology with geochemical proxies to reconstruct paleoenvironmental shifts. Recent publications (2019-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on Neogene stratigraphic refinement, particularly GSSP definitions for Miocene stages and Mediterranean paleoenvironmental evolution. These studies employ integrated methodologies including bio-magnetostratigraphy, stable isotope analysis, and rock magnetism to establish chronostratigraphic frameworks and climate models. Turco actively participates in national research projects (Prin 2006, Cofin series) and international collaborations (NWO, ESF, EU), including industry partnerships with Petrobras and British Gas. Her leadership roles include Vice-Chair of the Subcommission on Neogene Stratigraphy (ICS/IUGS) since 2020 and prior service as Secretary (2004-2020), directing global efforts to standardize Miocene chronostratigraphy through GSSP working groups.

David A. FosterView profile

Professor

• Tectonics
• Thermochronology
• Structural Geology
• +5 more

David A. Foster is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research integrates thermochronology, structural geology, and petrology to investigate tectonic and magmatic processes, with a recent focus on enhanced weathering of basaltic rocks for carbon sequestration. He leads the Thermochronology Lab, providing analytical services for mineral separation, Ar/Ar dating, and thermal modeling. Research interests span: Tectonics & Geodynamics : Orogenic collapse, terrane accretion, and supercontinent cycles. Thermochronology : Application of temperature-sensitive isotopic systems to crustal evolution. Surface Processes : Links between tectonic uplift, erosion, and carbon capture via rock weathering. His publications emphasize regional tectonics (e.g., Andes, Appalachians, Cordillera), utilizing geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and structural analysis. Recent work explores collisional orogens, basin provenance, and magmatic arcs, with recurring themes of extensional collapse and paleogeographic reconstructions. Educational contributions include co-authoring the comprehensive textbook Geology of National Parks , now in its 8th edition, which synthesizes geological features of U.S. national parks in the context of plate tectonics and landscape formation.

Katrina CampbellView profile

Professor

• Food Security
• Diagnostics
• Biosensor Technology
• +4 more

Katrina Campbell is a Professor at the School of Biological Sciences , Queen's University Belfast , where she leads the Biosensors Strand within the Centre for ASsured, SafE and Traceable food (ASSET) . She holds dual Fellowships from the Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry , and is affiliated with the Irish Toxicology Society , SFET , and International Society for the study of harmful algae . Education: BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry (1995), Queen's University Belfast MMedSc in Ultrastructural Anatomy and Pathology (1996), Queen's University Belfast PhD in Pharmacy (transdermal drug delivery), Queen's University Belfast Katrina's research focuses on rapid biosensor-based detection of toxins, chemical contaminants, and pathogens throughout the "environment to farm to fork" food supply chain. She develops antibodies, phage, and aptamers for bioanalytical methods on platforms like Biacore AB, SAW Instruments, and Neogen Lateral Flow , aiming to enhance food safety , sustainability , and traceability . Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals including Zero Hunger ( SDG 2 ), Climate Action ( SDG 13 ), Life Below Water ( SDG 14 ), and Life on Land ( SDG 15 ). Recent publications address plant-based milk contaminant detection , marine biotoxin monitoring , and PFAS regulation impacts on food sustainability. She leads projects like Seafoodtomorrow , Eurobiotox , and Mychif , collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (USA) and through Safefood funded initiatives. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2023) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2023) Katrina supervises PhD students and contributes to technology transfer workshops . She serves as EITFOOD Education Programmes Co-ordinator at Queen's University Belfast. Labs & Collaborations: She leads the Biosensors Strand in ASSET, collaborating with multi-centre EU projects (BioCop, Conffidence, Midtal, Atlantox), industrial partners , and international institutions to create state-of-the-art biosensor tools for food safety.

Laura J. May-ColladoView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Biology
• Animal Acoustic Communication
• Marine Mammal Evolution
• +3 more

Laura J. May-Collado is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Vermont, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on integrative marine biology, particularly the use of sound to study marine communities and the evolution of marine mammal communication. She holds additional roles as a Research Associate at CIMAR (Costa Rica), Affiliate Professor at Universidad Maritima Internacional de Panama, and member of the Committee of Scientific Advisors for the Marine Mammal Commission. Dr. May-Collado's education includes a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Costa Rica (1995–2001) and a Ph.D. in Biology from Florida International University (2003–2007). Her research interests span animal communication, soundscapes, marine conservation, and the behavioral ecology of marine vertebrates. She employs phylogenetic analyses, autonomous recording systems, and drones to study evolutionary and ecological factors shaping marine communities. Key projects include the ONDAS Initiative, deploying acoustic recorders in Central American waters to study humpback whales and dolphin communication. She collaborates internationally, co-founding Panacetacea.org and advising organizations like MI AMBIENTE in Panama. Her work emphasizes conservation, including studies on manatee feeding behavior in Belize and dolphin population dynamics in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Dr. May-Collado is also active in education, leading the CURE Lab and teaching courses on marine biology and mammalogy. She advocates for inclusive science through initiatives like the IRES-Costa Rica program and outreach via social media (@maycolladolab). Her research bridges ecology, evolution, and conservation, with a focus on leveraging soundscapes for biodiversity monitoring.

David EvansView profile

Research Fellow

• Cenozoic palaeoclimate
• Palaeoceanography
• Biomineralisation
• +2 more

Dr. David Evans is a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Southampton with expertise in paleoclimate reconstruction and marine geochemistry. His research focuses on understanding climate-Earth surface interactions through geochemical proxies, experimental culturing of marine organisms, and numerical modeling. He leads several major projects funded by the Royal Society and UKRI aimed at refining paleoclimate reconstructions. Dr. Evans investigates Cenozoic warm periods (particularly the early Eocene) to evaluate climate model performance and understand climate-biosphere interactions. His work centers on: 1) Reconstructing boundary conditions affecting geochemical proxies, especially seawater composition; and 2) Understanding biomineralization processes in key archives like foraminifera to ensure accurate proxy applications through geologic time. His publications (2024-2025) predominantly focus on marine biomineralization, paleoclimate proxies, and carbonate geochemistry, with frequent applications of isotope techniques and experimental approaches. Research consistently emphasizes methodological improvements in geochemical analyses and proxy validation. He currently supervises four PhD students across biological sciences and oceanography. His research group is part of the Geochemistry unit and Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute. Major active projects include Horizon Europe's AMOEBA initiative and a correlative cryo-analytical center development.

Sonal KhanolkarView profile

Researcher

• Paleoceanography
• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Climate Reconstruction
• +3 more

Sonal Khanolkar is a researcher at GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany, specializing in paleoceanography and marine biogeochemistry. Her work focuses on reconstructing past climate conditions using geochemical proxies and microfossil analysis from ocean sediment cores. Her research interests encompass: Paleoceanography Marine Biogeochemistry Climate Reconstruction Foraminifera Geochemistry Paleoclimatology Dr. Khanolkar employs advanced techniques including stable isotope analysis (carbon, oxygen, boron), trace element geochemistry, and biomarker studies to investigate climate dynamics during the Paleogene period. Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on using foraminiferal proxies to reconstruct atmospheric CO 2 , sea surface temperatures, and ocean chemistry across critical climate transitions such as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum. Her research spans multiple ocean basins, with significant contributions to International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 378 in the South Pacific, where she analyzed sediment cores to understand Paleogene climate-ocean interactions. She actively develops and refines paleoproxy methodologies, including high-precision femtosecond laser ablation ICP-MS for trace element analysis in foraminifera and boron isotope applications for pH reconstruction. Her work integrates field data from ocean drilling expeditions with laboratory analyses to address fundamental questions about Earth's climate system evolution. Contact: skhanolkar@geomar.de

Barbara MelloneView profile

Professor

• Centromere Biology
• Chromosome Segregation
• Genetics
• +4 more

Barbara Mellone is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Genetics and Genomics at the University of Connecticut. She leads the Mellone Lab, which focuses on understanding how genetic information is accurately passed from one cell generation to the next through the study of centromeres. Her research interests include: Centromere biology and function Chromosome segregation mechanisms Genetic and epigenetic regulation of centromeres Evolution of centromeres across species Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for chromosome studies Connections between chromosome segregation errors and human diseases like cancer Professor Mellone's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on centromere structure and function, particularly examining CENP-A chromatin, centromere assembly factors like CAL1, and the evolutionary aspects of centromere biology. Her work combines genetic, molecular, and evolutionary approaches to unravel the fundamental mechanisms of chromosome inheritance. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how centromeres are built, maintained, and evolve, with implications for human diseases associated with chromosome segregation errors.

• Organic Geochemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Petroleum Chemistry
• +5 more

Branimir S. Jovančićević is a Full Professor at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Applied Chemistry. He has held significant administrative roles, including Dean of the Faculty (2009-2015) and Head of the Department of Applied Chemistry (since 2015). His research focuses on organic geochemistry and environmental chemistry, particularly in petroleum pollutants, bioremediation, and geochemical analysis of sediments. Education: PhD in Chemistry (University of Belgrade, 1993) Key projects: AGRIPLAST, PFAStwin, PhytoPFAS (EU/German/National funding) Leadership: President of Serbian Chemical Society’s Section for Environmental Chemistry, Secretary of Serbian Humboldt Club His publications emphasize biomarkers, coal petrology, and environmental pollution. He serves on editorial boards and international committees, including the European Association of Environmental Chemistry’s Scientific Committee.

Agata Di StefanoView profile

Professor

• Stratigraphic Geology
• Marine Geology
• Paleoclimatology
• +7 more

Agata Di Stefano is a Full Professor of Stratigraphic Geology and Sedimentology (GEO/02) at the University of Catania, where she has held academic positions since 2002. She currently serves as President of the Bachelor's Degree Course in Geological Sciences (L-34) and Head of the Marine Geology Laboratory. Her academic journey includes roles as PhD Coordinator for Earth and Environmental Sciences (2017-2023) and prior leadership in the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences’ Erasmus initiatives. PhD in Geological Evolution of Mediterranean-Type Orogens (1993) Professional Geologist certification (1990) University of Catania faculty member since 2002 Her research focuses on bio-chronostratigraphic analysis , paleoclimatic modeling , and coastal environmental protection , with emphasis on Mediterranean and oceanic Neogene-Quaternary sequences. She has contributed to international ocean drilling projects (ODP/IODP) and polar sediment studies (ANDRILL), while leading geological cartography under the CARG project. Key projects include: National Coordinator, MIUR-PRIN 2022 'Timing of Early Pleistocene Climate Transitions' Scientific Director, Interreg V SIMIT_THARSY Tsunami Hazard Reduction System Lead Partner, Interreg VI SANDLAND coastal sediment protection Awards: 2013 'Feature Article' in 'Ocean & Coastal Management' 1994 Young Researchers Award (Earth Sciences) from Gioenia Academy As an educator, she teaches 'Stratigraphic Geology', 'Marine Geology', and 'Innovative Methods in Marine Geology', supervising over 88 theses across all academic levels. She serves on editorial boards for the Italian Journal of Geological Science and International Journal of Geoscience , and collaborates with institutions like CNR, INGV, and international universities.