Find Academic Supervisors

• Forest Health Management
• Forest Entomology
• Forest Pathology
• +3 more

Tara L. Bal is an Assistant Professor in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University, serving as Director of the Master of Forestry Degree Program and Leader of the Wood Protection Group and Microbiology/Pathology Lab. She holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Forest Science-related fields from Michigan Tech and Purdue University. University: Michigan Technological University College: College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Her research focuses on forest health, addressing biotic/abiotic factors like forest entomology, pathology, invasive species, climate, and anthropogenic impacts. She emphasizes translating science into practical solutions for forest management and product sustainability. Teaching interests include Forest Health, Entomology, Pathology, and professional skills development. Her expertise spans forest health monitoring, forestry education diversity, and wood decay testing. Her recent publications (2023-2024) highlight themes like biocontrol for invasive species, educational equity in forestry, and molecular tools for disease detection. Key projects include mitigating beech bark disease and studying oak wilt via eDNA. She co-directs Women in the Academy (WIA) to advance diversity in forestry. Advising focuses on Master of Forestry students, fostering professional competencies and networking. Labs/teams: Wood Protection Group, Microbiology/Pathology Lab. Active in promoting inclusive practices and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Barth F. SmetsView profile

Professor

• Environmental Engineering
• Bioprocess Engineering
• Microbial Ecology
• +5 more

Barth F. Smets is a Professor in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University, specializing in the intersection of Environmental Engineering and Life Sciences. His work focuses on bioprocess development for water and environmental applications, with a particular emphasis on microbial ecology and antimicrobial resistance management. He has led multidisciplinary research groups across Europe, the USA, and Asia, coordinating large-scale projects in sustainable biotechnology and environmental engineering. Education: Trained at the interface of Engineering (Environmental & Biochemical) and Life Sciences (Microbiology & Agronomic Sciences). Experience: Over 20 years of managing multi-institutional R&D projects and leading international research teams. Skills: Expertise in project management, innovation facilitation, and translational research. His research interests center on solving environmental challenges through mission-oriented R&D, including wastewater treatment optimization, microbial biotechnology for sustainability, and understanding resistance gene transfer dynamics in engineered systems. He actively promotes collaborative, purpose-driven research environments. Key research trends in his publications include antimicrobial resistance in wastewater systems, nitrogen cycle dynamics in engineered environments, and novel methods for quantifying gene transfer mechanisms. He emphasizes practical applications of fundamental science to achieve planetary and human benefits. Awards: No explicit awards listed, but his work has been recognized through peer-reviewed publications in top journals like Environmental Science & Technology and ACS ES&T Engineering . He advises on staff development and project management strategies, fostering professional growth aligned with organizational goals. His current focus includes advancing sustainable bioprocess technologies and improving emission monitoring in wastewater treatment plants. He is affiliated with AU Engineering at Aarhus University and has contributed to initiatives at the intersection of environmental engineering and microbial systems biology.

• Immunobiology of Herpesviruses
• Virology
• Infection and Immunity
• +4 more

Professor Allison Abendroth is a faculty member at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Central Clinical School and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology. She holds the academic rank of Professor and leads the VZV Research Laboratory, the only lab in Australia dedicated to studying Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) immunobiology and pathogenesis. Her research focuses on herpesvirus immune evasion mechanisms, particularly VZV and cytomegalovirus (CMV), with a focus on antigen presentation, neuronal infection, and host-pathogen interactions. Abendroth completed her B.Sc (Hons) and PhD at the University of Adelaide/IMVS as a Dawes Scholar, followed by postdoctoral work at Stanford University under Prof. Ann Arvin. She has held roles as Sesqui Lecturer in Immunology and Honours Coordinator, while teaching senior immunology courses. Her work spans viral modulation of MHC molecules, cytokine regulation, and immune cell dysfunction. Key research interests include VZV’s impact on MR1 antigen presentation, MAIT cell suppression, and mechanisms of herpesvirus-induced apoptosis inhibition. She has contributed to studies on CMV latency in stem cell transplant recipients and the role of cytokines in viral reactivation. Her team uses models of neuronal infection and human ganglia studies to understand VZV neuropathogenesis. Abendroth has secured grants from NHMRC and other bodies for projects on viral immune evasion, latency, and host responses. The VZV Research Lab develops models for studying herpesvirus infection in neurons and immune cells, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for VZV-related diseases like herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia.

• Water Resources Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Biogeochemistry
• +5 more

Lazaro J. Perez is an Assistant Professor in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University, part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on hydrological and biogeochemical processes in subsurface porous media, particularly quantifying incomplete mixing effects on chemical reactions and contaminant transport. He integrates experimental and numerical methods to address groundwater remediation, aquifer management, and bioremediation challenges. Education: Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (2019) M.S., Engineering Geology and Geologic Resources, University of Oviedo (2015) B.S., Geology, University of Oviedo (2013) Research interests include bacterial transport dynamics, biofilm impacts on fluid flow, and multiscale modeling of reactive transport. His work spans pore-to-field scales, emphasizing practical applications like arsenic removal using metal-organic frameworks and climate change effects on water systems. Key contributions include advancements in solute transport prediction via machine learning, upscaling bacterial migration in porous media, and understanding biofilm-induced flow heterogeneities. Current projects involve climate change impacts on mountain hydrology and innovative remediation strategies for contaminated waters.

Yangchao LuoView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanotechnology
• Food Science
• Nutritional Sciences
• +3 more

Dr. Yangchao Luo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut since August 2021. He previously served as an Assistant Professor (2014–2021) and held postdoctoral roles at the University of Tennessee and University of Maryland. He earned his Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Maryland (2012), M.S. from China Agricultural University (2009), and B.S. from Hunan Agricultural University (2006). His research focuses on developing nanoscale delivery systems for nutrients using food-derived biomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and hydrogels. Key areas include gastrointestinal stability of nanoparticles, bioavailability enhancement, and natural nanomaterial extraction. He has published extensively in journals like Nanoscale , Food Hydrocolloids , and International Journal of Biological Macromolecules . Dr. Luo holds editorial roles at Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (Editor-in-Chief) and International Journal of Biological Macromolecules , among others. He has received awards including the Goldhaber Travel Grant (2010) and Summer Research Fellowship (2011). His teaching portfolio includes courses like Food Colloids and Nanotechnology. Current and past students include Jingyi Xue, Qiaobin Hu, and Taoran Wang.

David LeeView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Genetics
• Forest Research
• Tree Improvement
• +4 more

Associate Professor David Lee is an academic at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), specializing in plant genetics and forest research. He leads genetic improvement programs for tree species like Acacia, Corymbia, Eucalyptus, and Santalum, focusing on disease resistance, biomass assessment, and carbon sequestration. His work has influenced hardwood plantation development in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil. He holds a PhD in Plant Genetics from James Cook University and a BAgricSc(Hons) from the University of Melbourne. Lee’s research integrates molecular technologies (e.g., resistograph, NIR spectroscopy) to enhance tree breeding efficiency. He manages over $9 million in grants from bodies like ACIAR, FWPA, and MLA. His projects include Myrtle rust resistance screening, sandalwood domestication for Indigenous communities, and carbon sequestration modeling in tropical forests. He has supervised 10+ PhD students, contributing to studies on Corymbia hybrids, pest-pathogen interactions, and forest biomass estimation. Current projects emphasize ginger disease resistance and bioenergy potential from sandalwood residues. Lee collaborates with institutions like DAF, CSIRO, and international partners, advancing sustainable forestry practices globally. His expertise spans forest genetics, agroforestry, and environmental adaptation, with over 30 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. He is affiliated with UniSC’s Forest Industries Research Centre and Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, driving interdisciplinary research to address climate change and biodiversity challenges.

Egon Bech HansenView profile

Professor

• Food Science
• Gut Microbiome
• Lactic Acid Bacteria
• +12 more

Egon Bech Hansen is a Professor at the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he leads research in gut microbiology, fermented foods, and sustainable food systems. He is a member of the DTU Microbes Initiative and heads the Research Group for Gut, Microbes and Health. He holds a PhD and MSc from DTU and has previously served as Head of Department at both DTU and Aalborg University, as well as holding senior R&D and innovation roles in industry. His research focuses on food science , particularly the role of lactic acid bacteria in fermentation, plant-based dairy alternatives , gut microbiome interactions , and food safety . His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and sustainable agriculture. He investigates microbial metabolism, proteolysis, antioxidant peptides, and the development of safer, more sustainable food products such as fermented fish, camel milk, and plant-dairy hybrid cheeses. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in functional food development , particularly using microbial fermentation to improve nutritional quality and sensory properties of plant-based products. There is also a focus on molecular detection methods (e.g., FRET assays), antimicrobial resistance monitoring , and industrial scalability of fermentation processes. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with applied food technology. He has received no explicitly listed scientific awards in the provided text. Egon Bech Hansen actively supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects, including Protein rich food products from locally grown legumes , Harnessing AI to Identify Superior Strains , and SusCheese . He collaborates across disciplines with experts in food chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition. His projects often involve public-private partnerships and address real-world challenges in food sustainability and safety. He is involved in the DTU Microbes Initiative and contributes to research networks focused on gut health, microbial fermentation, and food innovation. His datasets and publications are openly accessible, supporting collaborative science.

Dionne Hoskins-BrownView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Benthic Ecology
• Fisheries Management
• +3 more

Affiliations: Program Director (Savannah State University), Associate Graduate Professor in Marine Science, Fishery Biologist (NOAA Fisheries), and member of the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission (Chair, 2017–present). Serves on the SCCPSS Board District 2 since 2011. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, University of South Carolina (1999) B.S. in Marine Biology, Savannah State College (1992) Research Focus: Benthic ecology, particularly deposit-feeding organisms in marine sediments. Current projects include blue crab population dynamics, transplanted marsh recovery, and socio-economic impacts of coastal fisheries. Her lab hosts high school students documenting African-American contributions to Georgia's coastal economy. Publications Trends: Combines ecological fieldwork with historical-cultural analysis, emphasizing coastal resource management and workforce diversity in fisheries science. Awards: Emmeline Moore Prize (American Fisheries Society, 2016) Grants/Initiatives: Founded the first Cooperative Marine Education and Research (CMER) program at an HBCU in 2000. Active in NOAA's educational partnerships, mentoring graduate students in benthic ecology and environmetrics. Labs/Teams: Hosts intergenerational research teams including undergraduates and high school students, focusing on both ecological and socio-cultural aspects of coastal marine systems.

Giacomo Maria PaganottiView profile

Adjunct Assistant Professor

• Malaria
• HIV/AIDS
• Pharmacogenetics
• +7 more

Giacomo Maria Paganotti is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He is based in Botswana, where he leads the Botswana-UPenn Partnership molecular laboratory, collaborating with the University of Botswana and multiple international institutions including Duke, McMaster, Penn, and the University of Rome La Sapienza. Research Interests: Dr. Paganotti's work spans malaria , HIV/AIDS , HPV , breast and cervical cancer , and pharmacogenetics . Initially trained as a malariologist, he has expanded his focus to investigate how human genetic variation influences drug response and disease progression in infectious and oncological contexts. His research emphasizes host-pathogen interactions, molecular epidemiology, and genetic determinants of treatment outcomes. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2018–2021) reflect a strong focus on molecular and genetic aspects of disease in African populations, particularly in Botswana. Key themes include the spread of Plasmodium vivax in Duffy-negative individuals, CYP2B6 variants affecting antiretroviral therapy, epigenetic changes in cervical cancer with HIV co-infection, and vector genetics in malaria control. These works highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, epidemiology, and clinical medicine. Scientific Recognition: No specific awards or fellowships are mentioned in the text. Advising and Grants: While no formal students are listed, Dr. Paganotti mentors students and researchers through the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, involving students from the University of Botswana and international trainees. His sustained research output and leadership suggest active grant funding, though specific grants are not detailed. Labs and Collaborations: He leads the molecular laboratory at the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, a hub for collaborative research involving multiple African and global institutions. His work integrates teams across disciplines including infectious diseases, oncology, and genetics.

• Plant Sciences
• Seed Quality
• Food Security
• +7 more

Dr. Sofia Kourmpetli is a Senior Lecturer in Plant Sciences at Cranfield University, affiliated with the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences. She holds a BSc in Agriculture from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and completed her MSc and PhD in Plant Sciences at the University of Nottingham and Rothamsted Research, UK. Since joining Cranfield in 2016, she has advanced to Senior Lecturer and leads research in seed quality, food loss reduction, and urban agriculture. Her research expertise spans: Enhancing seed quality and technology Reducing food loss and waste across supply chains Advancing urban agriculture for sustainable food systems Dr. Kourmpetli’s recent publications focus on urban agriculture, postharvest quality, food security, and seed physiology. Her work demonstrates a strong trend toward interdisciplinary solutions that integrate plant science with environmental and social challenges, particularly in the context of climate resilience and pandemic-related food system disruptions. She frequently collaborates with institutions such as Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, and industry partners including Elsoms Seeds Ltd. and Syngenta Ltd. She has contributed to significant research projects funded by: InnovateUK and Defra BBSRC (via FoodBiosystems DTP) Syngenta Ltd. The Global Food Security Programme (BBSRC, ESRC, NERC, Scottish Government) Dr. Kourmpetli has supervised PhD students and research projects, particularly through CASE studentships. She served as Network Liaison Manager for the BBSRC-funded Horticultural Quality and Food Loss Network (2020–2024), fostering academic-industry partnerships. She is actively recruiting externally or self-funded PhD candidates in plant science-related fields. Her work is associated with key research themes and labs: Plant Science Laboratory at Cranfield University Rurban Revolution project (Lancaster University-led) Seed microbiome engineering for sustainable agriculture FunShield4Med: Fungal spoilage and mycotoxin foresight in the Mediterranean

• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy
• Drug Synthesis
• +7 more

Urszula Kosikowska is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin. She holds a PharmD and DSc, and has been active in research since earning her doctoral degree in 1999. Her research spans pharmacology, pharmacy, and medicinal chemistry, with a focus on developing new antibacterial agents. Key areas include drug synthesis , particularly of triazole derivatives , microbial drug resistance , biofilm formation , and antibacterial drug design . Her work integrates organic chemistry with microbiological testing in both human and veterinary contexts. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in designing and evaluating novel antimicrobial compounds, especially triazole-based molecules. These studies span synthetic chemistry , molecular mechanisms , in vitro and in vivo efficacy , and toxicity profiling , indicating a comprehensive drug development pipeline. Keywords across articles include pharmacology, microbiology, and medicinal chemistry, with subfields ranging from biofilm inhibition to structure-activity relationships. Scientific achievements include: 248 publications 17 patents 1 documented achievement (specific title not provided) Supervision of 4 promoted theses (PhD advisees) She actively advises doctoral students and leads research in antibacterial drug discovery. While specific grant details are not mentioned, her extensive output and patents suggest sustained funding. She contributes to research infrastructure and participates in multi-center collaborations. Her work has implications for both human and veterinary medicine, particularly in combating resistant infections. She leads a research team focused on pharmaceutical microbiology and antimicrobial development, likely involving graduate students and researchers in synthetic and biological evaluation of compounds.

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Genomic Surveillance
• Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
• +7 more

Crystal Hepp is an Associate Professor in the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems at Northern Arizona University. Her interdisciplinary research bridges computational biology, public health, and infectious disease genomics, with a strong emphasis on genomic surveillance and wastewater-based epidemiology. She actively collaborates with public health agencies in Arizona and contributes to statewide pathogen monitoring efforts. Research Interests: Dr. Hepp's work spans infectious disease epidemiology, genomic surveillance, zoonotic pathogens (including Onchocerca lupi and rabies virus), whole genome sequencing, and computational modeling. Her research integrates molecular data with public health frameworks to track and respond to emerging pathogens. She has published extensively on wastewater-based monitoring of SARS-CoV-2, genomic epidemiology of bacterial infections like Group A Streptococcus and MRSA, and the evolution of parasitic nematodes. The recent publications reveal a consistent focus on applying genomic tools to real-world public health challenges, particularly in rural and underserved settings. Her work often involves multidisciplinary teams and addresses both human and wildlife health, aligning with the One Health approach. Themes include pathogen detection, transmission dynamics, and the development of surveillance methodologies. Scientific Contributions: Developed frameworks for integrating wastewater data into public health decision-making. Advanced genomic surveillance of infectious agents in healthcare and community settings. Contributed to understanding the phylogeography of tick-borne pathogens and their endosymbionts. Published in high-impact journals including Frontiers in Public Health , Journal of Infectious Diseases , and PLoS ONE . Dr. Hepp has co-authored numerous datasets related to tick and nematode genomics, indicating strong data science and bioinformatics expertise. While specific advising roles or grants are not mentioned in the text, her collaborative publication record suggests active engagement in research teams and projects focused on emerging infectious diseases and genomic public health.

Michael Jon MattleView profile

Lecturer

• Environmental Chemistry
• Water Treatment
• Wastewater Treatment
• +8 more

Michael Jon Mattle is a Lecturer at the Institute of Environmental Engineering (SSIE) within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His expertise lies in water and wastewater treatment, with a focus on process engineering, virus inactivation, and environmental chemistry. He has extensive professional experience in both academic and industrial settings, including roles at EPFL, Eawag, and HOLINGER SA. PhD in Environmental Sciences, EPFL (2009–2013) M.Sc. in Chemistry (Physical Chemistry focus), EPFL (2005–2007) B.Sc. in Chemistry, EPFL (2002–2005) Exchange year at Universidad de Sevilla, Spain (2004–2005) Master project at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India (2006–2007) Michael Jon Mattle's research centers on environmental processes critical to public health and sustainable water systems. His work spans photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, solar disinfection (SODIS), virus inactivation mechanisms, and process optimization in communal and industrial wastewater treatment. His interdisciplinary background combines chemistry, engineering, and environmental science to develop practical, scalable solutions for water quality challenges. His publication record reflects a strong focus on the fate and control of viruses in water systems, particularly through UV and chemical disinfection, with attention to the impact of viral aggregation and shielding. He has also contributed to research on microplastics in effluents and the development of carbon-doped TiO2 photocatalysts for degrading stable organic molecules using sunlight. Why weaker is stronger (News journal article on aggregation studies), Swiss National Science Foundation (2013) Fluoride Removal in Ethiopia, Eawag (2009) Improving Fluoride Removal Efficiency, Eawag (2008) Mattle has advised on defluoridation projects in Ethiopia and has worked as a scientific advisor and process engineer. His teaching includes applied wastewater engineering at EPFL, where he continues to contribute to the education of future environmental engineers. He is fluent in German, French, English, and Spanish, with good oral skills in Italian and Portuguese, reflecting his international experience across three continents. He has held positions as a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at EPFL, and as a process engineer at HOLINGER SA. His field experience in Ethiopia with Swiss Interchurch Aid (HEKS/EPER) demonstrates a commitment to applying scientific knowledge in real-world, resource-limited settings.

Michael F. BergerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Omics
• Bioinformatics
• +5 more

Michael F. Berger is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine's Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Co-Director of the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). He serves as the inaugural Chief of the Clinical Computational Diagnostics Service in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at MSKCC. Education: PhD in Biophysics from Harvard University; Bachelor’s in Physics from Princeton University Research Interests: Berger specializes in genomic and computational techniques to identify molecular drivers of cancer and develop targeted therapies. His work focuses on biomarker discovery, tumor evolution, and clinical implementation of next-generation sequencing assays like MSK-IMPACT (FDA-authorized tumor profiling) and MSK-ACCESS (liquid biopsy). Recent Articles: His publications highlight population-scale clinical genomic datasets, integrating mutational signatures, clonality, and ancestry in cancer progression. Key trends include applications of machine learning, liquid biopsies, and genome-derived tumor typing for personalized medicine. Grants & Collaborations: Berger collaborates with clinical leaders at MSKCC, leveraging large-scale sequencing data for translational research. His lab explores inherited variants, clonal hematopoiesis, and drug resistance mechanisms through clinical partnerships. Labs & Teams: He leads the Michael Berger Lab at MSKCC, part of the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology and the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Christina GrozingerView profile

Professor

• Entomology
• Genomics of Social Behavior
• Chemical Communication in Insects
• +7 more

Christina Grozinger is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Pennsylvania State University and serves as the Director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. Her research integrates genomics, molecular biology, and ecology to understand social behavior, chemical communication, and health in honey bees and other pollinators. She leads a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research program focused on improving pollinator conservation and management. Her research interests include: Genomic and molecular basis of social behavior in insects Chemical communication and pheromone signaling in honey bees Host-parasite interactions and immune responses in pollinators Landscape genomics and environmental stress responses Pollinator conservation and sustainable beekeeping practices The recent articles (2024–2025) reflect a strong focus on applying cutting-edge molecular tools—such as transcriptomics, DNA metabarcoding, and machine learning—to address urgent conservation challenges. Themes include climate change impacts on bee fertility, viral infections in insect hosts, landscape-level pathogen dynamics, and the use of citizen science for monitoring firefly populations. Her work bridges fundamental biology with applied solutions for pollinator decline. Scientific awards and recognitions include: Distinguished Professor at Pennsylvania State University Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology Appointment to the National Academies Committee on Insect Declines Dr. Grozinger leads major research initiatives, including Scialog grants on environmental impacts on animal behavior, and advises numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. She has secured significant funding for interdisciplinary projects, such as those combining ecological modeling with decision support systems for land managers. Her leadership extends to directing the Huck Institutes, where she fosters innovation across life sciences. She is actively involved in science communication and education, including courses on pollinator conservation that assess cognitive impacts on students. She leads research teams focusing on: The Grozinger Lab at Penn State, which studies molecular mechanisms of social behavior Interdisciplinary collaborations in landscape ecology, genomics, and conservation Citizen science and machine learning applications in pollinator monitoring Development of spatial decision support tools for ecological management