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Jesús Israel Pagán MuñozView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Virology
• Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Jesús Israel Pagán Muñoz is an Associate Professor at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) , leading the research group 'Determinants of Plant Virus Seed Transmission and Speciation' at the Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM-INIA/CSIC) . His work focuses on understanding plant virus emergence, speciation, and seed transmission dynamics, with applications in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. His research addresses ecological and genetic factors influencing virus speciation in Iberian ecosystems, seed transmission mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana , and collaborations on animal/human RNA virus evolution. Key projects include studying biodiversity impacts on virus prevalence and biotech strategies to combat seed-transmitted pathogens. Funding includes grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BIO2016-79165-R) and Marie Curie Actions (PCIG11-GA-2012-322100). Recent articles highlight plant-virus interactions under stress, phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and seed transmission quantification. Advising : Supervising PhD student Lucía García Ordoñez and collaborating with postdocs and technicians. Labs/Teams : CBGP's Plant-Virus Interaction Lab and interdisciplinary groups studying viral evolution and ecology. Future Work : Biotech partnerships to develop seed-transmission-resistant crops and ecological modeling of pathogen emergence.

• Wildlife and habitat management
• Terrestrial ecology
• Conservation and biodiversity
• +7 more

Dr Sarah Munks is a Research Fellow in the Department of Zoology at the University of Tasmania, with an adjunct role in Biological Sciences (2017-2024). Her career spans over 30 years in research and natural resource management, focusing on wildlife and habitat conservation. Field of Expertise: Wildlife and habitat management, Terrestrial ecology, Conservation and biodiversity Education: PhD in Zoology (University of Tasmania, 1986-1990), BSc (Hons) in Zoology (UCNW, 1981-1983) Dr Munks has led and co-supervised numerous projects on threatened species, freshwater habitats, and forest fauna. Her work bridges ecological research with policy implementation in agricultural and forestry sectors. Her funded research spans 2004-2010, covering topics like bat ecology, platypus energetics, and possum physiology. She has co-supervised 21 higher-degree students and delivered annual lectures to third-year Tasmanian Fauna students (2000-2019). She serves as a referee for scientific journals and sub-editor for Australian Forestry , affiliated with the CRC for Forestry and Centre for Forest Value. Her supervision includes 9 doctoral and master's students in conservation, ecology, and wildlife management.

• Historical Archaeology
• Early Medieval Cemeteries
• Migration Studies
• +2 more

Professor Duncan Sayer is affiliated with the University of Central Lancashire's School of Law and Policing , where he specializes in historical archaeology, early medieval cemeteries, migration, death, burial, and ethics. With over 20 years of fieldwork experience, he has led projects like the Oakington Anglo-Saxon cemetery and Ribchester Roman fort excavations. Currently, he collaborates with DNA labs at Harvard and Max Planck Institutes on ancient DNA studies, including one of Europe’s largest projects. Research Interests: Historical Archaeology, Early Medieval Cemeteries, Migration Studies, Death/Burial Practices, Ethics in Archaeology His recent work focuses on integrating ancient DNA analysis with traditional archaeology to trace migration patterns and kinship structures, particularly in Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts. Publications span topics from genetic lineage studies to the social implications of burial practices. He actively engages with ethical debates and public perceptions of mortuary archaeology. Scientific Awards: Archaeology award nominations Collaborations with genomic institutions and interdisciplinary approaches mark his career. His books, such as Early Anglo-Saxon Cemeteries: Kinship, Community and Identity , synthesize spatial analysis with cultural identity studies.

Ivo Gomperts BonecaView profile

Researcher

• Bacteriology
• Microbiology and Infection
• Cell biology and development
• +9 more

Ivo Gomperts Boneca is a permanent researcher and head of the Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall at the Institut Pasteur, Paris, within the Department of Microbiology. His research focuses on peptidoglycan (PGN) metabolism in bacterial pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori , Neisseria meningitidis , and Leptospira interrogans , examining both bacterial physiology and host immune responses. He leads major funded projects including ERC-2024-SyG-AI4AMR, which integrates artificial intelligence into antibiotic discovery, and participates in the INCEPTION convergence institute for interdisciplinary research. Institut Pasteur, Paris, France Department of Microbiology Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall Principal Investigator, ERC grants Member, INCEPTION program His research interests center on understanding how the bacterial cell wall is assembled and remodeled during growth and division, and how PGN fragments influence host innate immunity. He investigates how pathogens modulate PGN to evade immune detection and how commensal bacteria contribute to gut homeostasis and disease prevention. His work bridges microbiology, immunology, and systems biology, with implications for antibiotic development and inflammatory disease treatment. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in microbial cell wall biology, host-pathogen interactions, and the gut-immune-brain axis. Themes include PGN dynamics in host tissues, bacterial shape modulation, immune sensing mechanisms, and the role of microbiota in inflammation and cancer immunotherapy. The integration of AI in antimicrobial discovery highlights a forward-looking approach to combating antibiotic resistance. ERC-2007-Stg-202283-PGNfromSHAPEtoVIR ERC-2024-SyG-AI4AMR INCEPTION convergence program Dr. Boneca mentors numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a dynamic research environment. His lab receives substantial funding from the European Research Council and participates in collaborative, interdisciplinary grants. He leads projects on PGN assembly inhibition, gut microbiota effects on immunity and cancer therapy, and the development of optogenetic tools. His team includes research engineers, technicians, and administrative staff, reflecting a well-supported research structure. He is affiliated with core research platforms at the Institut Pasteur, including those in bioimaging and microbiology. His laboratory is embedded within a network of interdisciplinary teams working on infectious diseases, immunity, and microbial evolution. The integration of computational and experimental approaches is evident in his participation in AI-driven drug discovery initiatives.

Nicolás RascovanView profile

Professor

• Ancient DNA
• Microbial Genomics
• Evolution
• +12 more

Nicolás Rascovan is a Professor and Head of the Microbial Paleogenomics Unit at the Institut Pasteur, within the Genomes and Genetics department in Paris, France. He leads the ERC-funded PaleoMetAmerica project, focusing on ancient DNA to understand the evolution of pathogens and human microbiomes, especially in pre-Columbian South American populations. His research lies at the intersection of ancient DNA, microbial genomics, evolution, phylogenetics, population genetics, and bioinformatics . He investigates how infectious diseases and commensal microbes have evolved over time, using genomic data from ancient human remains to reconstruct pathogen spread and genomic changes across historical transitions such as colonization and industrialization. His recent publications reveal groundbreaking insights into the deep history of diseases like plague and leprosy, showing their presence in the Americas long before European contact. These works, published in top journals like Science and Cell , highlight trends in paleogenomics, pathogen evolution, and the use of museum specimens for ancient pathogen recovery. His work integrates tools from genomics, archaeology, and history to provide a holistic view of human-microbe co-evolution. ERC Starting Grant 2020 – PaleoMetAmerica ANR PRC AAPG2023 – RETRACE (co-PI) Rascovan mentors a team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and lab engineers, several of whom have gone on to secure academic and research positions globally. He is actively involved in scientific outreach, public communication, and collaborative international research. His lab fosters a transdisciplinary environment combining genomics, field archaeology, and computational biology to explore fundamental questions about human health and disease through time.

Lee Rafuse HainesView profile

Academic

• Medical Entomology
• Veterinary Entomology
• Parasite-Symbiont-Vector Interactions
• +11 more

Lee Rafuse Haines is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where she leads research in medical and veterinary entomology, focusing on insect-borne diseases and vector-parasite-symbiont interactions. She previously held senior research and program management roles at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK. Education: PhD in Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, University of Victoria, Canada BSc in Biology, Trinity Western University, Canada Her research interests span insect microbiota, symbiosis, neglected tropical diseases, malaria control, and science communication . She investigates how gut bacteria influence vector immunity and transmission capacity, develops assays for measuring insect bite exposure, and studies tsetse breeding behavior. Her work integrates field studies in Kenya, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia with laboratory models. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on vector biology, parasitology, and microbiome interactions , particularly in tsetse flies and sand flies. Themes include reproductive physiology, host-seeking behavior, symbiont isolation, and drug repurposing for disease control. Her research bridges basic science with translational applications for global health. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Award-winning mentor Dr. Haines is a dedicated mentor and science communicator, actively engaged in public outreach through science festivals, youth workshops, blogs, and radio. She champions mental health in STEM and promotes equity for underrepresented researchers. She collaborates with the Acosta-Serrano group on repurposing herbicidal compounds for vector control and has developed innovative insect-rearing modules for student education. Her lab maintains colonies of tsetse, mosquitoes, triatomines, and sand flies, supporting both research and teaching.

• Microbiology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Genomics
• +3 more

Dr Mehrad Hamidian is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection (AIMI) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). His research focuses on antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Acinetobacter baumannii , particularly genomic characterization of resistance genes and plasmid dynamics. He holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Sydney and an MSc in Medical Microbiology from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Education: PhD in Microbiology, University of Sydney, Australia MSc in Medical Microbiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education), University of Sydney Research Interests: Characterization of antibiotic resistance genes in Acinetobacter baumannii Genomic and plasmid-based analysis of antimicrobial resistance spread Development of surveillance tools for tracking bacterial resistance Adaptation mechanisms to antimicrobial nanoparticles Awards & Fellowships: Fellow of the Australian Society for Microbiology (FASM) Australian Society for Microbiology Jim Pittard Early-Career Award (2019) ARC DECRA Fellowship (2020) UTS Chancellor's Research Fellowship (2018) Leadership & Service: Member of the UTS Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Editor for mSystems Scientific committee member, 2022 International Acinetobacter Conference Labs & Teams: Leads a research group focusing on Acinetobacter baumannii genomics and resistance mechanisms, contributing to the world’s first online database and plasmid typing scheme for the pathogen.

Mohammed ElbediwiView profile

Research Fellow

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Behavioral Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Mohammed Elbediwi is a Research Fellow in the Rolff Group - Evolutionary Biology at the Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin. His research focuses on evolutionary processes in animal systems, particularly examining how ecological interactions shape phenotypic traits and population dynamics. Current interests include phylogeographic patterns in insects, pathogen virulence evolution, and predator-driven morphological adaptations. Recent work includes studies on damselfly wing shape variation across European populations, decomposition of virulence in bifurcating infections, and ontogenetic shifts in antipredator defenses. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the profile. He is affiliated with the Department of Biology within the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy faculty. His contact details include an institutional email address.

• Evolutionary Genomics
• Endosymbiosis
• Phylogenomics
• +3 more

Professor Thomas Richards is a Professor of Evolutionary Genomics at the University of Oxford and a Royal Society University Research Fellow. His research focuses on understanding the origins and diversification of eukaryotic cellular complexity through phylogenomic, cell biological, and molecular approaches. Current research themes include phylogenomic analysis of gene ancestry, endosymbiosis mechanisms, and environmental DNA studies of microbial diversity. His work spans disciplines such as evolutionary genomics, microbial ecology, and systems biology, addressing questions like how endosymbioses form and how uncultured protists contribute to biodiversity. Key projects include studies on pathogen evolution, transporter proteins, and the genetic networks governing symbiotic interactions. Prof. Richards has published extensively on topics like membrane permeability, genetic code reassignments, and the evolution of eukaryotic microbes. His awards include the Royal Society University Research Fellowship, recognizing his contributions to understanding microbial and eukaryotic evolution.

Rajendar DeoraView profile

Associate Professor

• Functional Genomics
• Bacterial Biofilms
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +3 more

Rajendar Deora is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at The Ohio State University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Center for Microbial Pathogenesis. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, biofilm formation, and host-pathogen interactions using Bordetella pertussis as a model organism. Dr. Deora leads studies on pertussis vaccine development, immune responses, and the structural biology of bacterial biofilms. Research interests include: molecular determinants of bacterial pathogenesis, biofilm development in respiratory systems, and the role of host immunity in infection outcomes. He has developed novel mouse models for studying biofilms on human airway epithelial cells, contributing to vaccine and therapeutic design. Recent publications emphasize vaccine efficacy, adjuvant mechanisms, and biofilm matrix assembly. Collaborations involve experts in immunology, structural biology, and clinical microbiology. No awards are explicitly listed, though his work is supported by grants from NIH and other funding bodies. Lab activities include functional genomics, in vitro/in vivo infection modeling, and translational vaccine research. Students and postdocs in his lab study microbial virulence factors and host immune modulation strategies.

Daniel R. SwaleView profile

Associate Professor

• Insect Neurophysiology and Toxicology
• Ion Channels and Transporters
• Pathogen-Vector Interaction
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel R. Swale is an Associate Professor and Associate Director in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. His research focuses on insect toxicology and physiology, particularly studying ion channels and transporters in arthropods to improve vector control and enhance beneficial arthropod health. Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, Christopher Newport University M.S. in Life Sciences, Virginia Tech Ph.D. in Insect Toxicology, University of Florida Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Interests: Ion channel physiology in arthropods Pathogen-vector interactions Honey bee health and immunity Development of novel insecticide targets Vector-borne disease mitigation strategies Publications Trends: Dr. Swale’s work emphasizes potassium ion channels as critical targets for controlling disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. Recent studies explore bioinsecticidal agents, herbicide-pesticide synergies, and mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance. Labs/Teams: Swale Lab at the University of Florida, focusing on arthropod physiology and toxicology.

Meixia ZhaoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Genome Evolution
• Epigenetics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. Meixia Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida. Previously, she held positions at Miami University (2018–2022) and was a postdoctoral researcher at Purdue University (2013–2017). She earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, with a visiting PhD in Plant Genetics at Purdue University. Her research focuses on using computational and functional genomic approaches to study genome evolution, epigenetic regulation of meiotic recombination, and plant-microorganism interactions in maize and soybean. Key areas include transposable element function, epigenetic silencing mechanisms, and disease resistance pathways. Her lab investigates mechanisms underlying maize and soybean immunity to pathogens like Phytophthora sansomeana , leveraging comparative genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics. Recent studies explore the role of DNA methylation, small RNAs, and histone modifications in regulating plant defense responses. She also examines sex-specific differences in meiotic recombination and the evolutionary consequences of polyploidization. Dr. Zhao has mentored over 20 graduate and undergraduate students, including those in the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (PMCB) program. Her work has been published in high-impact journals, focusing on topics like transposable element silencing, epigenetic variation, and crop disease resistance. The Zhao Lab collaborates with other groups to advance understanding of plant-microbe interactions and translational applications in agriculture.

John LindoView profile

Associate Professor

• Ancient DNA Research
• Population Genetics
• Pathogen-Host Interactions
• +4 more

John Lindo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Emory University, with affiliate roles in the Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, and the Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology. His research focuses on ancient DNA, population genetics, and human adaptation, particularly in the Americas. He holds a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia, alongside advanced degrees in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Illinois. Lindo’s lab integrates molecular and computational methods to study genetic responses to environmental changes, colonization impacts, and pathogen interactions. His grants include an NSF CAREER Award and an MP3 Seed Grant exploring genetic traits related to disease resistance. Key research themes include high-altitude adaptation in Andean populations, the genetic legacy of pre-Columbian civilizations, and the effects of European contact on Indigenous genetics. Lindo has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and serves on review panels for the National Science Foundation and National Geographic Society. He actively promotes diversity in STEM through initiatives like the Summer Internship for Indigenous Peoples in Genomics (SING) and BLIS (Black and LatinX in STEM). Education: Postdoctoral Scholar at University of Chicago, PhD from University of Illinois, MA from University of Pennsylvania Grants: NSF CAREER Award ($600k), MP3 Seed Grant ($300k) Awards: National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow (2019)

Elizabeth LonsdorfView profile

Professor

• Primate Behavioral Development
• Ecology
• Zoology
• +7 more

Elizabeth Lonsdorf is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Emory University, with a focus on primate behavioral development and health. She holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota (2003) and previously served as founding Director of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes at Lincoln Park Zoo. Her research examines the interplay between development, health, and social dynamics in primates, particularly chimpanzees in Gombe National Park. She co-directs the Gombe Ecosystem Health Project and Gombe Mother-Infant Project, investigating topics like tool-use ontogeny, maternal effects on offspring success, and disease ecology. Her work integrates long-term datasets and emphasizes conservation implications. Lonsdorf is affiliated with the APE Lab and contributes to One Health initiatives addressing primate-human ecosystem interactions. Education: PhD, University of Minnesota, 2003; B.S., Duke University (via Duke Lemur Center). Research interests span primate behavioral ecology, developmental trajectories, and health monitoring. She studies how social integration, environmental factors, and maternal behavior influence survival and reproductive outcomes in wild populations. Key projects include analyzing tool-use acquisition in chimpanzees, tracking parasite infections in apes, and evaluating the impact of human encroachment on primate health. Her studies often involve multi-disciplinary collaboration, combining field observations with genomic and epidemiological methods. Articles highlight her work on chimpanzee social behavior, health metrics, and conservation challenges. Themes include genital wounding as social behavior, maternal rank effects on offspring, and zoonotic disease risks at human-wildlife interfaces. These studies underscore the importance of integrating ecological, health, and social data to inform conservation strategies. Advising and grants: While no students are listed, her projects likely involve collaborative grants and training of early-career researchers. Grants support long-term fieldwork and lab-based analyses. She also participates in policy initiatives related to ape conservation. Labs/Teams: APE Lab (website linked), Gombe Ecosystem Health Project, and Gombe Mother-Infant Project. These platforms facilitate international collaboration and data-sharing for primate research and conservation.

• Protein Crystallography
• Structural Biology
• Enzyme Mechanisms
• +2 more

Professor Ehmke Pohl holds joint appointments in the Departments of Chemistry and Biosciences at Durham University, where he serves as Co-Director of the EPSRC MoSMed CDT and the Biophysical Sciences Institute Executive Board. His laboratory specializes in structural biology using protein crystallography, SAXS, and biophysical techniques. Research areas include enzyme mechanisms in pathogens, antibacterial targets, and structure-based drug design. Current projects involve the Virus-X initiative mining bacteriophage enzymes, transcriptional regulation in bacteria, and inhibitor development for tuberculosis and herbicide-resistant weeds. Recent publications characterize serine hydrolases in Leishmania and metal regulators in extremophiles. He supervises 12 PhD students and has led projects funded by Wellcome Trust, Horizon2020, and UK research councils. Laboratory facilities include bioreactors, crystallography platforms (Bruker D8), and biophysical instrumentation (ITC, SPR, CD).