Ontogenetic Development Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

Find Academic Supervisors

Find and connect with academic supervisors, professors, and scholars for your research journey.

Showing 1-15 of 341 supervisors

Profile data may be stale. It is sourced from public faculty pages.

Susan PfeifferView profile

Research Professor

George Washington UniversityUnited States

Susan Pfeiffer is a Research Professor of Anthropology at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Department of Anthropology within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Her research focuses on bioarchaeology, skeletal biology of past populations, and repatriation of human remains, particularly among Southern African Khoe-San and North American Great Lakes communities. She holds a Ph.D. (1976), M.A. (1972), and B.A. (1968) in Anthropology and Religion from the University of Toronto and the University of Iowa. Education: Ph.D. in Anthropology, University of Toronto (1976) M.A. in Anthropology, University of Toronto (1972) B.A. in Religion, University of Iowa (1968) Her research interests include paleopathology, adult age estimation, evolutionary theory, and collaborations with Indigenous communities. Notable works include her 2022 book Osteobiographies , which explores repatriation frameworks globally, and studies on Huron-Wendat ancestral repatriation and Southern African skeletal analysis. Dr. Pfeiffer has received prestigious awards such as the 2019 AAAS Fellowship and the 2016 J. Norman Emerson Medal. Her publications bridge bioarchaeological methodological advancements with ethical repatriation practices, emphasizing cross-cultural collaboration in anthropology. Key Awards: AAAS Anthropology Section Fellowship (2019) Ontario Archaeological Association Medal (2016) University of Toronto Teaching Excellence Award (2001) Her work integrates skeletal analysis with community partnerships, addressing both scientific and cultural dimensions of human remains research. Collaborations with First Nations and African groups highlight her commitment to ethical, culturally sensitive archaeology.

Official University Profile

Ryan CarneyView profile

Associate Professor

University of South FloridaUnited States

Dr. Ryan Carney is an Associate Professor of Digital Science at the University of South Florida's Department of Integrative Biology (College of Arts and Sciences). His research bridges paleontology and epidemiology, using cutting-edge technologies like 3D imaging, AI, and VR/AR. He studies dinosaur biomechanics (e.g., Archaeopteryx flight mechanics) and mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, Zika) through NSF/NIH-funded collaborations with agencies like NASA and the CDC. His work integrates citizen science platforms (iNaturalist, Mosquito Alert) for disease surveillance and develops AI tools for mosquito classification. Education: PhD (Brown), MPH/MBA (Yale), B.A.'s in Biology & Art (UC Berkeley) Lab: SCA 107 (focuses on digital paleontology and disease modeling) Research interests span dinosaur functional morphology, epidemiological modeling using GIS/remote sensing, and translating science through immersive technologies. He received awards like the National Geographic Emerging Explorer and multiple USF teaching/research accolades. Awards: CAS Liberal Arts Teaching Award, Outstanding Research Achievement, etc. Grants include NSF funding for AI-driven mosquito surveillance and NIH support for disease control. His lab's innovations include the Global Mosquito Observations Dashboard (GMOD) and VR reconstructions of prehistoric species.

Official University Profile

Peter BartschView profile

Researcher

Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity at the Humboldt University BerlinGermany

Dr. Peter Bartsch serves as curator of the fish collection and construction project officer at the Museum für Naturkunde (MfN), Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, which is affiliated with Humboldt University Berlin. With expertise in ichthyology, embryology, and comparative anatomy, Dr. Bartsch has been instrumental in the museum's collection management and building renovation projects since joining the institution as a research associate before becoming curator in 2000. Dr. Bartsch received his academic training in ichthyology, embryology, and comparative anatomy at the University of Cologne. His academic career includes positions as a research assistant at the University of Tübingen and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Natural History Museum in Stockholm before joining the Museum für Naturkunde. Dr. Bartsch's primary research focuses on the evolution and systematics of major groups of bony fishes (Osteichthyes), with particular emphasis on primitive ray-finned fish lineages. His work integrates morphological analysis of both fossil and extant species to understand evolutionary relationships. A significant portion of his research centers on the developmental biology of ancient fish groups, especially the Polypteridae (bichirs), examining embryonic development, skeletal formation, and sensory systems. More recently, his interests have expanded to include the logistics and optimal management of research collections, reflecting his administrative responsibilities at the museum. Analysis of Dr. Bartsch's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on fish morphology, evolution, and development, with particular attention to primitive actinopterygian lineages. His work spans both systematic taxonomy and functional morphology, with increasing attention to museum collection management challenges. The publications demonstrate expertise in comparative anatomy across diverse fish groups including chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) and basal actinopterygians. Recent work shows integration of molecular phylogenetic approaches with traditional morphological analysis. Dr. Bartsch has held significant administrative roles at the Museum für Naturkunde, serving as head of the collections department from 2011 to 2013. He was responsible for the museum's construction program for the east wing reconstruction, completed in 2010, which created modern facilities for the storage and scientific processing of the museum's wet collections. Currently, he manages the second phase of the building's renovation that began in 2011 and participates in planning for the future development of the museum's facilities. The Museum für Naturkunde houses extensive ichthyological collections that form the basis for Dr. Bartsch's research. His work involves close collaboration with various research teams within the museum, particularly in the areas of molecular phylogenetics, collection preservation, and paleontological research. The museum's facilities include specialized laboratories for morphological analysis, molecular studies, and collection management that support his research activities.

Official University Profile

Zsofia SzendreiView profile

Professor

Michigan State UniversityUnited States

Zsofia Szendrei is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her work spans teaching (10%), research (40%), and extension (50%), focusing on vegetable production entomology. She leads the Szendrei Lab, which explores chemical ecology, biological control, and sustainable pest management. Her research emphasizes reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides through integrated approaches like habitat manipulation and molecular detection of trophic interactions. She collaborates closely with growers and extension educators to implement practical solutions for vegetable pest challenges. Education: M.Sc. in Horticulture (Hungary, 2001), Ph.D. in Entomology (MSU, 2005). Professional roles include Co-Editor-in-Chief of American Entomologist (2021–present) and leadership in MSU's Extension programs. She prioritizes student mentorship, fostering creativity and hands-on research in a collaborative lab environment. Key research themes include agroecology, pest-behavioral interactions, and pollinator conservation. Her extension efforts target reducing insecticide use while maintaining crop profitability. Recent work investigates heatwave impacts on crop-pest dynamics and pollinator protection. She has authored/co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on topics like cover crops, pathogen management, and invasive species. Her lab’s findings inform both academic discourse and real-world agricultural practices.

Official University Profile

Sophie DoveView profile

Associate Professor

James Cook UniversityAustralia

Sophie Dove is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Queensland, and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the Global Change Institute . Her research focuses on coral reef photobiology, climate change impacts, and symbiotic relationships in marine ecosystems. PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Sydney MA in Philosophy, University of Southern California MA (Hons) in Mathematics and Philosophy, University of Edinburgh Her work examines coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis , particularly how host and symbiont interactions maintain reef productivity under climate stress. Key questions include the role of symbiont parasitism, coral heterotrophy, and reef accretion-erosion balance under ocean acidification and warming. She collaborates with institutions like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and CSIRO Publishing. Recent publications span coral bleaching mechanisms , ocean acidification effects , and biochemical adaptations in symbiotic organisms. Her studies integrate molecular biology, biogeochemistry, and ecophysiology to predict reef futures under climate stress. She has contributed to scientific consensus reports on the Great Barrier Reef and developed methodologies for analyzing coral and sponge physiology. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges marine ecology, protein biochemistry, and climate science.

Official University Profile

Michael AlfaroView profile

Professor

University of California, Los AngelesUnited States

Dr. Michael Alfaro is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA, where he leads the UCLA Alfaro Lab. His research focuses on understanding evolutionary dynamics of organismal diversification, particularly in marine fishes. He employs interdisciplinary approaches combining evolutionary morphology, molecular phylogenetics, and theoretical evolution to explore patterns and mechanisms of morphological and functional diversity. Education: Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago (2000) M.A. in Biology, Humboldt State University (1995) B.A. in Dramatic Arts, University of California, Davis (1989) Research interests emphasize the interplay between morphological diversity and ecological/functional dynamics. Notable themes include the drivers of diversification in marine lineages, the role of physiological traits in lineage success, and the integration of computational tools for large-scale phenotypic analysis. Alfaro has contributed to advancements in phylogenetic methodology and genomic resources for studying fish evolution. His work bridges macroevolutionary theory with empirical data, often leveraging crowdsourced phenotypic data and bioinformatics tools like Sashimi and Charisma for high-throughput analysis. The lab actively engages in collaborative projects addressing biodiversity patterns and evolutionary mechanisms across marine and terrestrial systems. Grants and advising activities are central to his academic contributions, though specific details are not detailed in the provided text. The UCLA Alfaro Lab collaborates internationally, emphasizing both basic research and applied conservation contexts.

Official University Profile

Carole S. HickmanView profile

Professor

University of California, BerkeleyUnited States

Carole S. Hickman is a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research integrates theoretical, constructional, evolutionary, and developmental morphology to understand the diversity of structure and function in living and fossil organisms, with a focus on molluscs. She explores macroevolutionary trends through phylogenetic trajectories in design spaces and investigates taphonomic assembly in shell beds linked to global climate change during the Cenozoic Era. Primary Research Organisms: Molluscs Key Tools: Design spaces, ecospaces, ethospaces, developmental spaces Current Projects: Community architecture responses to climate change, microbial-metazoan interactions in extreme environments Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to evolutionary morphology, with recent work emphasizing gastropod larval development and biomineralization changes at metamorphosis. Students in her laboratory prioritize independent research questions while utilizing molecular tools and shared evolutionary methodologies.

Official University Profile

Josh SchmergeView profile

Assistant Professor

University of MississippiUnited States

Josh Schmerge is an Instructional Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Mississippi. He holds a PhD in Geology from the University of Kansas (2015) and teaches courses such as BISC 102 and BISC 104. His research focuses on vertebrate paleontology, particularly the functional anatomy of burrowing rodents and the taxonomic validity of theropod dinosaurs like Nanotyrannus lancensis . He has published extensively on dinosaur morphology and phylogeny, arguing for Nanotyrannus ' distinct status from Tyrannosaurus rex based on dentary groove analysis. Education : B.S. Geology (University of Wyoming, 2007), M.S. Geology (University of Kansas, 2011), Ph.D. Geology (University of Kansas, 2015) His work integrates morphological studies with phylogenetic analysis, emphasizing anatomical features like dentary grooves to resolve taxonomic debates. Key contributions include clarifying groove morphology in tyrannosaurids and describing new castorid species. Awards include the 2015 Erasmus A. Haworth Award and teaching nominations.

Official University Profile

Kenneth JeffriesView profile

Associate Professor

University of ManitobaCanada

Dr. Kenneth Jeffries is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Science. His research bridges comparative physiology, transcriptomics, and ecotoxicology to study environmental stress responses in aquatic ectotherms. Education: BSc (First Class Honours) - University of Calgary, MSc - University of Calgary, PhD - University of British Columbia, Postdoc - University of California, Davis Jeffries’ work focuses on defining sub-lethal thermal thresholds, contaminant effects in aquatic systems, and transcriptomic responses to environmental stressors. His lab specializes in non-lethal sampling techniques and high-throughput gene expression analysis using OpenArray™ technology for species like salmonids, sturgeons, and lampreys. Key projects include: Arctic ecosystem studies using truncate soft-shell clams as biomonitor species Development of stress transcriptional profiling (STP) chips for rapid biomarker assessment Thermal and contaminant stress interactions in freshwater fish populations Conservation genomics applications for invasive species management Recent article trends emphasize transcriptomic approaches to climate change impacts, thermal stress mechanisms, and contaminant flow in Arctic ecosystems. His collaborations include GEN-FISH, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Scientific Awards: Mitacs Postdoctoral Fellowship NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship Inside JEB feature (2016, 2023) Editor’s Choice (Journal of Experimental Biology, 2023) Jeffries supervises PhD, MSc, and Honours students while leading the Jeffries Lab, which maintains partnerships with the IISD–Experimental Lakes Area and other institutions. His lab also develops DNA metabarcoding resources for Arctic benthic monitoring.

Official University Profile

Catherine CrockfordView profile

Research Professor

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyGermany

Dr. Catherine Crockford is Research Professor and Director of the Ape Social Mind Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, affiliated with the Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture. She co-directs the Tai Chimpanzee Project in Ivory Coast, studying habituated chimpanzee groups and sooty mangabeys. Her research examines primate social cognition, communication evolution, and neuroethology through behavioral observations, hormone sampling, and neuroimaging. Key interests include: Evolution of social bonding and cooperation mechanisms Maternal effects on offspring development Vocal communication and combinatorial signaling Neurobiological bases of social behavior Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on chimpanzee vocal combinatorics, stress physiology, social learning, and comparative neuroanatomy, often integrating field data with endocrine and imaging methodologies. She leads an ERC project investigating early-life influences on social skills and supervises 8 PhD students researching primate communication, social dynamics, and energetics. Laboratory infrastructure supports field endocrinology and collaborative neuroimaging studies.

Official University Profile

Kate LaskowskiView profile

Associate Professor

University of California, DavisUnited States

Kate Laskowski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at University of California, Davis , focusing on behavioral diversity and plasticity. Her research explores how evolutionary processes shape developmental mechanisms generating individual variation. Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences (2006, UMBC), Ph.D. in Integrative Biology (2013, University of Illinois) Her work integrates ultimate and proximate perspectives to analyze how genetic, parental, and experiential cues build phenotypes. Recent research emphasizes clonal fish models to study non-genetic origins of behavior, eco-evolutionary dynamics, and collective behavior across scales. Publications from 2023-2025 highlight themes in behavioral repeatability , predation risk responses , genetic life-history trade-offs , and social conformity vs. individuality . Her methods combine experimental studies with statistical modeling and meta-analytic frameworks. Scientific Awards: Sloan Fellow (2023) Kate collaborates with the Center for Population Biology and advises in the Animal Behavior and Population Biology graduate programs. Her lab investigates behavioral individuality in clonal systems, with applications to conservation and evolutionary theory.

Official University Profile

Jaspreet KaurView profile

Assistant Professor

University of Wisconsin-La CrosseUnited States

Jaspreet Kaur is an Assistant Professor in the Biology department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse . Her research focuses on plant-microbial interactions and population genetics in rare plant species, particularly orchids. She holds a Ph.D. (2018) in Plant and Soil Science from Texas Tech University and a B.S. (2014) in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Punjab Agricultural University, India, where she was honored Summa Cum Laude. Education: Ph.D., Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX (2018) B.S. (Honors), Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab, India (2014) Research Interests: Dr. Kaur’s work investigates plant ecology, plant-microbial symbiosis, conservation strategies for rare species, and population genetics. She uses orchids as model organisms to study tripartite associations between plants, fungi, and bacteria, emphasizing molecular mechanisms and ecological adaptation. Her research bridges theoretical and applied aspects, aiming to inform species recovery and management through microbial and genetic insights. Publications: Recent studies explore orchid diversification drivers (habitat instability, founder events), fungal specificity in Vanilla species, and bacterial communities linked to host phenology. Her work consistently highlights symbiotic relationships, spatial heterogeneity effects, and microbial contributions to plant survival and evolution. Awards and Honors: No scientific awards or fellowships are listed in the provided information. Advising and Grants: Dr. Kaur advises students in her courses BIO 203 and BIO 307. While specific grants are not detailed, her research program indicates active engagement in funding initiatives. Her studies on rare plant species recovery likely involve collaborative grants and conservation partnerships. Labs and Teams: No specific laboratory or team affiliations are mentioned in the provided text.

Official University Profile

Thomas MartinView profile

Professor

Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany

Prof. Dr. Thomas Martin serves as Chair of Paleontology at the University of Bonn's Institute of Geosciences, where he has led the Vertebrate Paleontology department since October 1, 2006. He is also Vice President of the Paleontological Society since 2009 and holds a guest professorship at Shenyang Normal University in China since 2013. His research group focuses on mammalian evolution, with particular emphasis on jaw and dentition evolution, masticatory biomechanics, and the evolution of the ear region throughout mammalian history. Dr. Martin's educational background includes: Diploma in Geology-Paleontology from Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (1987) PhD from Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn (1991) Habilitation from Freie Universität Berlin (1997) His research interests center on the origin and diversification of mammals, with particular focus on Mesozoic mammals. He employs cutting-edge 3D methods including µCT scanning, surface segmentation, DiceCT, Occlusal Fingerprint Analyzer (OFA), virtual animation, and simulation to investigate how changes in the masticatory apparatus and feeding habits have shaped mammalian evolution. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of dietary adaptations and associated hearing enhancements during crucial moments in mammalian evolutionary history. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on Mesozoic mammal dentition, particularly the functional morphology of early mammalian teeth and jaws. His research spans multiple continents, with significant work on German, Russian, and Chinese fossil sites, and demonstrates consistent investigation into mammalian evolutionary patterns through detailed dental and skeletal analyses. His collaborations span internationally with researchers from Russia, China, and the United States. Scientific recognition includes: Fritz-Franck-Förderpreis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde (1993) Dr. Martin has secured substantial research funding through multiple DFG (German Research Foundation) projects, including ongoing work on polar vertebrates from the Lower Cretaceous of Yakutia, Russia, and functional studies of early mammalian dentition. He currently supervises several doctoral students including Marius Losco, Thomas Engler, and Sebastian Pommerening, and maintains an active research group with multiple postdoctoral researchers. His laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art imaging and analytical techniques, with particular expertise in virtual paleontology methods. The research group maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with institutions in Russia, China, and the United States, reflecting the global nature of his paleontological investigations.

Official University Profile

Marvin DiazView profile

Associate Professor

Binghamton University SUNYUnited States

Marvin Diaz is an Associate Professor and Behavioral Neuroscience Area Head at the Department of Psychology, Binghamton University. His research focuses on understanding neurobiological and behavioral alterations caused by early developmental insults such as prenatal drug exposure, with emphasis on sex differences. He employs advanced techniques including electrophysiology, optogenetics, and molecular biology. His work addresses mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders, substance misuse, and neurodevelopmental trajectories. Education: PhD and MA from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, BS from University of NC at Wilmington. Research Interests: Neurodevelopment, prenatal drug exposure, substance use disorder, neural circuits, and the role of sex as a biological variable. Key Findings: Demonstrated that prenatal methadone/alcohol exposure alters amygdala function, GABAergic transmission, and ethanol intake behavior in sex-dependent ways. Highlighted cytokine modulation of adolescent neurophysiology and stress-related behaviors. Awards: SUNY Faculty Diversity Award (202?), Gordon Conference Minority Fellowship (202?), Dean’s Research Semester Award (202?). Labs: Director of the Alcohol Development Lab. Active in studying developmental neurotoxicology and stress-anxiety interactions.

Official University Profile

Duncan J. IrschickView profile

Professor

University of Massachusetts AmherstUnited States

Duncan J. Irschick is a Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, leading the Irschick Lab and co-founding initiatives like Digital Life and the Center for Evolutionary Materials. His research integrates evolutionary biology, biomechanics, and technology to study animal movement, adhesion systems, and 3D imaging. He earned a B.S. from UC Davis (1991) and a Ph.D. from Washington University, St. Louis (1996). Research focuses on gecko adhesion (GeckskinTM), 3D imaging (BeastcamTM), and bioinspired technologies. He explores how animal form and function inform synthetic design, with applications in conservation, robotics, and material science. His work spans diverse taxa, including sharks, salamanders, and reptiles, emphasizing functional morphology and evolutionary adaptation. Key achievements include over 137 peer-reviewed publications, patents on adhesives, and global media recognition. Awards include UMass Amherst's Outstanding Research Award (2014), Chancellor's Medal (2014), and Distinguished Faculty Lecture (2016). He has delivered 76 invited talks worldwide and collaborates with engineers, computer scientists, and conservationists. His lab develops open-access 3D models via Digital Life, aiding education and conservation. Current projects include studying elasmobranch energetics, reptile locomotion, and biomimetic materials. Grants from NIH, NSF, and private foundations fund this multidisciplinary work.

Official University Profile