Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger is a behavioral ecologist and evolutionary biologist at Bielefeld University 's Faculty of Biology , where he leads the Department of Animal Behaviour since 2013. His research spans avian and marine mammal systems, focusing on life history strategies, parasite-host interactions, and environmental adaptation. Education: Biology studies at Bielefeld University (1994-1996) MSc in Oxford (1996-1997) PhD at Bielefeld University with Fritz Trillmich and Jan Lindström (1998-2000) Research Themes: Behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and population dynamics across tropical and temperate ecosystems. Key projects include NC³ (Niche Choice/Construction) and studies on Galápagos sea lions, common buzzards, and pinniped species. Scientific Leadership: Spokesperson, SFB TRR 212 "NC³" (2018-2025) Advisory Board member: German Ornithologists Union, IUCN SSC pinniped group, German Primate Centre Peer review roles: Humboldt Foundation, DFG, HFSP, NSF Awards: Leopoldina Prize (2001) Niko Tinbergen Award (2008) DFG Heisenberg Professorship (2010-2015)
David Serre is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with an additional appointment at the Institute for Genome Sciences. His research focuses on developing genomic approaches to study eukaryotic pathogens, particularly Plasmodium vivax, the leading cause of malaria outside Africa. His laboratory investigates parasite responses to antimalarial drugs, host immune responses, and mosquito vector biology using genomic and transcriptomic techniques. Education 1997–2000: Engineering degree in Chemistry, École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie, Montpellier, France 2000–2004: PhD in Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany 2004–2007: Postdoctoral fellowship, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, Canada Research Focus Dr. Serre’s work integrates genomics to study Plasmodium vivax’s drug resistance, relapse mechanisms, and interactions with hosts and vectors. Key areas include: Genomic assays to characterize parasite drug responses Transcriptomic analysis of host immune responses Genomic studies of Anopheles mosquitoes as malaria vectors Recent Trends in Publications Recent work highlights genomic and transcriptomic approaches to dissect Plasmodium vivax biology, including: Single-cell RNA sequencing to resolve transcript isoforms and stage-specific expression Analysis of relapse dynamics and drug resistance mechanisms Microbiome studies in mosquitoes and environmental contexts Grants & Advising No explicit grants or advisee names are listed in the provided text. Collaborators include institutions like the Max Planck Institute, McGill University, and the Institute for Genome Sciences. Labs & Teams His lab is affiliated with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Institute for Genome Sciences, focusing on genomic and molecular approaches to infectious diseases.
Dr. Gary Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. He has served as department head at NDSU (1997-2006) and UNL (2006-2018). His research focuses on field crops entomology, IPM of pasture cattle flies, salt creek tiger beetle conservation, and pollinator health. He has pioneered a push-pull strategy using coconut oil-derived repellents and led curriculum design for Rwanda’s Conservation Agriculture program. Education: B.S. in Zoology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1974) M.S. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1978) Ph.D. in Entomology, Kansas State University (1984) Research Interests: Brewer’s work spans insect ecology, pest management, and conservation. Key areas include stable fly and horn fly control, pollinator protection, and endangered species recovery (e.g., Salt Creek tiger beetle). His lab develops natural product-based pest repellents and evaluates biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Grants & Contributions: $362,150 USDA grant for undergraduate research in beneficial insect protection (2018) $325,000 USDA grant for multi-tactic stable fly control (2017) NE Game and Parks funded salt creek tiger beetle reintroduction programs Labs & Teams: Brewer’s team collaborates with industry (e.g., Vestergaard Frandsen) and international partners to advance IPM strategies. His work bridges field research with applied solutions for farmers and conservationists.
Ivan G. Horak is a renowned researcher at the University of Pretoria , with significant affiliations at institutions like Rhodes University , ClinVet International , and Bayer Pty Ltd . His career spans over four decades, focusing on veterinary parasitology , ectoparasites , and host-parasite interactions in wildlife and livestock. Research Interests : Horak's work explores the dynamics of parasite ecology , pathogen transmission , and parasite-host relationships , particularly in South African ecosystems . He has published extensively in journals like Experimental and Applied Acarology and Parasites and Vectors , analyzing tick species, helminths, and their ecological implications. Collaborations & Sponsorships : His research has been supported by prestigious bodies such as the National Research Foundation , National Institutes of Health , and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases . He has held visiting positions at Georgia Southern University and Wake Forest University . Labs & Teams : Horak has worked with key institutions like the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute , University of the Free State , and Stellenbosch University , contributing to multi-country studies in Namibia , Zambia , Mozambique , and Zimbabwe .
Sapha Barkati, MD, MSc is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University , and an Investigator at the RI-MUHC Glen site . Her work bridges clinical practice and research in tropical medicine, focusing on parasitic diseases affecting vulnerable populations. Affiliations: Assistant Professor, McGill University Investigator, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) McGill International Tuberculosis Centre Research Focus: Specializes in neglected tropical diseases like strongyloidiasis and tegumentary leishmaniasis, particularly among migrants and immunocompromised individuals. Studies include: Physician awareness of Strongyloides screening Prevalence patterns in non-endemic countries HTLV-1 co-infection treatment response Cost-effective screening strategies Scientific Contributions: Key publications address tropical disease management in non-endemic settings, mpox outbreak dynamics, and SARS-CoV-2 immunity patterns. Her work emphasizes evidence-based guidelines for: Parasite screening in transplant recipients Leishmaniasis treatment protocols Traveler disease prevention Collaborative Networks: Partners with institutions like Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and participates in GeoSentinel surveillance. Leads studies on: Covid-19 health disparities Vaccine effectiveness against variants Remote patient monitoring systems
Professor Dieter Hochuli leads the Integrative Ecology research group in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on biodiversity conservation in urban environments, with particular emphasis on arthropod ecology, habitat management, and the ecological dynamics of human-dominated landscapes. His work bridges community ecology and landscape-scale conservation strategies. Research interests center on urban biodiversity conservation, insect-plant interactions, ecosystem function in modified environments, and the ecological impacts of invasive species. Current projects examine how urban planning decisions affect biodiversity, the role of green infrastructure in supporting ecosystem services, and human-wildlife interactions in urban fringes. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent themes: urban pollinator ecology, wildlife disease ecology at the urban interface, experimental approaches to urban green space management, and biodiversity responses to urbanization. His work integrates ecological theory with practical conservation applications. Professor Hochuli leads field-based ecology projects across Sydney's urban environments and collaborates with local councils on biodiversity mapping initiatives. He currently supervises graduate students researching urban arthropod communities, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
Philippe Christe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine. His research centers on host-parasite interactions, with a focus on bats, birds, and their ectoparasites, integrating behavioral, physiological, and genetic approaches. He leads the Christe Group, which investigates evolutionary and ecological dynamics in host-parasite systems, particularly avian malaria and bat-mite relationships. He is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park, and collaborates with KORA on human-wildlife interactions. Bachelor's degree in biology, UNIL (1989) PhD in Zoology and Animal Ecology, UNIL (1994) Philippe Christe’s research interests lie at the intersection of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. He investigates how host defenses evolve in response to parasitic pressures, examining trade-offs between immunity and life history traits such as reproduction and survival. His work often integrates field studies with experimental and molecular techniques. Key model systems include Parus major (great tit) and Culex pipiens in avian malaria, and bat species with their ectoparasitic mites. He also explores broader ecological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics and wildlife conservation in human-modified landscapes. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on disease ecology, wildlife conservation, and molecular methods. Articles span topics such as avian malaria transmission, lynx population dynamics, snow leopard behavior, and habitat fragmentation effects on insects. These works employ advanced techniques like DNA metabarcoding, spatial modeling, and long-term monitoring, demonstrating a trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven ecological research with direct conservation applications. Dubois Foundation Prize for an educational CD-Rom on bats (2004) Communication Award from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of UNIL (2017) Philippe Christe has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing significantly to training the next generation of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. His group collaborates widely with institutions such as the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne and KORA, and participates in large-scale conservation projects involving snow leopards, lynx, and bats. He has been involved in research grants related to host-parasite coevolution, wildlife monitoring, and conservation strategies. His leadership in establishing the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park and involvement in the UNIL Interdisciplinary Center for Mountain Research highlight his commitment to applied science and environmental stewardship. He leads the Christe Group, which conducts research on host-parasite coevolution, with a focus on bats and their ectoparasites, and birds affected by avian malaria. The group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, and includes post-docs, PhD students, and technical staff. Collaborations extend to researchers in Bern, Paris, and Spain, fostering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Ananias A. Escalante is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Temple University's College of Science and Technology, and a core faculty member of the Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM). He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of California, Irvine (1995), and has held roles at the CDC (1995–2005) and Arizona State University (2005–2015). His research integrates population genetics with epidemiology, focusing on malaria parasites' evolution, drug resistance mechanisms, and biodiversity. Key areas include Plasmodium falciparum resistance mutations, primate malaria origins, and molecular tools for surveillance. Education: PhD in Biology, University of California, Irvine (1995) MSc in Ecology, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Venezuela Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Venezuela Research interests span evolutionary genomics, malaria parasite diversity, and the application of genomic tools to epidemiology. He investigates how genetic diversity in parasites influences drug resistance and transmission dynamics, with a focus on nonhuman primate malaria as a model for human malaria origins. His work includes phylogenetic studies of Plasmodium species and the development of mitochondrial genome protocols for pathogen analysis. Notable contributions include studies on Plasmodium vivax population genetics in the Americas, the impact of drug resistance mutations (e.g., pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions), and the molecular characterization of novel malaria parasites in reptiles and birds. He collaborates on initiatives like the Amazonian International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research. Advising and grants: While specific student names aren’t listed, his research team likely includes graduate students focused on evolutionary parasitology. Grants support projects on malaria genomics and vector ecology. He leads Temple’s iGEM lab, advancing interdisciplinary research in genomics and evolutionary medicine. Labs/Teams: Core faculty at Temple’s Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), collaborating on projects integrating genomics, epidemiology, and evolutionary biology.
Staffan Bensch is a Professor at Lund University, holding roles in the Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Lund Migration Group, and Immunogenetics and Infection Biology. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, particularly bird migration genetics and host-parasite interactions of avian malaria. He leads projects on migratory divides in willow warblers and chiffchaffs, and maintains the MalAvi database of bird malaria lineages. Education: PhD in 1993 from Lund University, with postdoctoral work at UC San Diego. Techniques: Molecular Ecology methods including genomics and tracking technologies. Research Interests: Genetic basis of migration Host-parasite evolution Avian malaria biodiversity Publications: Over 267 articles, including recent work on migratory genetics and parasite population structures. Awards: Rosén Linnaeus Prize (2019), Katma Award (2016), Elliott Coues Award (2014). Grants: Active projects on climate adaptation in willow warblers and comparative studies of migration genetics. Supervised 11 students including Violeta Caballero-Lopez (PhD). Labs/Teams: Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Lund Migration Group.
Niels Dingemanse is a tenured Professor of Behavioural Ecology at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich, Germany, and leads the Evolutionary Ecology of Variation research group at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology. His academic journey includes roles as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Groningen and the University of Wales, Bangor. He holds a PhD in natural sciences from Utrecht University (2003) and an M.Sc. in Ecology from the University of Groningen (1997). His research focuses on evolutionary and behavioural ecology, particularly the ecological and evolutionary significance of individual variation in behaviour, physiology, and life-history traits. Key themes include personality evolution, indirect genetic effects, and the integration of genomic approaches with ecological field studies. Dingemanse has contributed to projects like the Great Tit HapMap initiative, exploring genomic variation across continental scales. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary methods, combining field experiments with genomic and statistical tools. His work addresses topics such as mate choice evolution, the role of environmental fluctuations in shaping social plasticity, and the genetic basis of vocal rhythms in birds. Grants and fellowships include the Veni Innovational Research Incentives Scheme (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) and ALW open competition grants. He has advised numerous postdoctoral researchers and leads collaborative projects across Europe.
Martina Wade is a Researcher in the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at Yale School of Public Health. Her work focuses on infectious diseases, particularly malaria and antibiotic resistance, with a global health perspective emphasizing sub-Saharan Africa. She collaborates on projects in Cameroon, Uganda, and Burkina Faso, addressing drug resistance mechanisms, diagnostic innovations, and public health interventions. Her research spans clinical trials (e.g., ivermectin mass drug administration protocols), microbiota analysis in livestock and human populations, and environmental transmission dynamics of pathogens. She has published extensively on malaria treatment efficacy, microbiome disruptions from antibiotic use, and novel diagnostic technologies like photoacoustic detection. Her work bridges laboratory science with field epidemiology, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and public health strategies. Key collaborations include Sunil Parikh, Justin Goodwin, and Fangyong Li, focusing on antimalarial resistance tracking and pediatric infection dynamics. Her laboratory is located at 60 College Street, Ste Room 711, New Haven, CT. Contact: martina.wade@yale.edu.
Prof. Dr. ir. Hans Heesterbeek is a full Professor of Theoretical Epidemiology at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He holds a dual appointment in the Department of Farm Animal Health within the Population Health Sciences sector. His research focuses on the dynamics of infectious diseases at the intersection of biology, medicine, and mathematics, with emphasis on wildlife epidemiology and complex systems. He chairs Utrecht University's Committee for Research Integrity and has held leadership roles in departments like Animals in Science and Society. Education: MSc Phytopathology (Wageningen University, 1986), MSc Mathematics (University of Amsterdam, 1988), PhD in Mathematical Biology from Leiden University (1992) Affiliations: Editor-in-Chief of Epidemics journal, Senior Editor at Proceedings of the Royal Society B , Chair of ZonMw's Open Competition grant program Research interests include: Mathematical modeling of disease spread Ecological epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens Role of wildlife in disease transmission Historical analysis of epidemic understanding Key contributions: Co-developer of the R₀ reproduction number framework, foundational to global epidemiological modeling. Active in interdisciplinary work linking theoretical ecology to societal systems. Currently writing a book on the history of epidemic science. Grants: Vici laureate (€1.3M, 2005-2010). Organizes biannual Epidemics conferences. Advises on public health policy during outbreaks like the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Patrick Keeling is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of British Columbia (UBC), affiliated with the Biodiversity Research Centre and the Faculty of Science. He holds a Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Microbial Diversity and Evolution. His research focuses on the molecular evolution and cell biology of eukaryotes, particularly protists, emphasizing their diversity, genomic adaptations, and roles in ecosystems. Key projects include studying endosymbiotic events, apicomplexan parasites, and the genomic evolution of microbial eukaryotes. Affiliations: Department of Botany, Biodiversity Research Centre, Faculty of Science (UBC) Research Interests: Protistology, microbial diversity, endosymbiosis, genome evolution, phylogenetics, and comparative genomics Dr. Keeling’s lab investigates protist taxa such as apicomplexans, dinoflagellates, and chlorarachniophytes, with a focus on their metabolic pathways, organelle evolution, and ecological roles. Recent work includes uncovering coral-infecting parasites, analyzing microbial symbioses, and exploring the origins of multicellularity. His team employs genomic, transcriptomic, and microscopy-based approaches to address evolutionary questions. Awards: Canada Research Chair Tier 1 (2021–present). Scientific contributions span over 200 publications, emphasizing protist diversity, parasite evolution, and endosymbiotic mechanisms. His lab hosts students and collaborates globally on marine and microbial research projects. Labs/Teams: The Keeling Lab at UBC, part of the Biodiversity Research Centre, integrates molecular, genomic, and ecological methods to study microbial eukaryotes. Collaborations include studies on coral symbionts, dinoflagellate evolution, and protistan microbiomes.
Yi-Chen Wang is an Associate Professor and Vice-Dean in the Department of Geography at the National University of Singapore, with a visiting position at Taipei Medical University. She holds a PhD in Geography from the University at Buffalo and researches spatial health, neglected tropical diseases, and land use change. Research integrates geospatial technologies to examine relationships between environmental factors and infectious diseases. Current projects investigate liver fluke transmission dynamics in Thailand's Mekong Region and COVID-19 vulnerability in urban Singapore. Work emphasizes human-environment interactions, landscape ecology, and socio-ecological determinants of disease risk. Publications focus on spatial epidemiology, urban health vulnerabilities, and cultural-environmental interactions. Research employs network analysis, GIS mapping, and field surveys to address public health challenges in Southeast Asia. Teaches courses in cartography, geovisualization, environmental modeling, and research methods. Developed GIS minor and master's programs at NUS. Conducts workshops on health GIS applications internationally.
Maria Luisa Simoes is an Associate Professor and Unit Head in Experimental Immunology at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Belgium. She previously held roles as Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK) and Faculty Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University (USA). Her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2014) was conducted at Nova University of Lisbon (Portugal) and Imperial College London (UK). She chairs the American Committee of Medical Entomology (ACME) and serves on the ASTMH scientific committee. Her research focuses on malaria transmission via Anopheles mosquitoes, exploring how biotic/abiotic stressors impact mosquito immunity to develop genetic tools for disease control. Key projects include the CLIMMAT initiative (2025–2028) examining environmental changes' effects on mosquito immunity. Her lab's work has been featured in Nature Microbiology , Journal of Medical Entomology , and international media like Nature , El Pais , and L'Avenir . Notable awards include the 2022 ACME Breakthrough Award and 2019 ASTMH Young Investigator Award. She seeks collaborators with expertise in molecular biology, parasitology, and vector biology to advance genetic malaria control strategies.
