Find Academic Supervisors

Renee BoyerView profile

Professor

• Food Safety
• Food Science
• Agricultural Science
• +3 more

Renee Boyer is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Food Science & Technology at Virginia Tech, serving as Department Head since 2021. She holds a Ph.D. (2006), M.S. (2002) in Food Science from Virginia Tech, and a B.S. in Biology from Radford University (1999). Her research focuses on pre- and post-harvest interventions to enhance food safety, particularly for fresh produce and food handler education. She leads Virginia's Food Safety Team, developing programs like ServSafe and So Easy to Preserve. Her work addresses pathogen control in produce (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria) and evaluates interventions such as antimicrobial plant extracts and bacteriophage applications. She has authored peer-reviewed studies on food safety practices in retail, deli environments, and agricultural settings. Awards include the 2009 Outstanding Team Award for her Food Safety Team. Extension efforts emphasize consumer education, food pantry safety, and mitigating risks in farmers' markets and food recovery organizations. Key publications span 2002–2023, with recent work on microbial interactions in agricultural soils, phage-based pathogen control, and food handling during the pandemic. She collaborates on food safety education initiatives and compliance with federal regulations like the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

Maria DimakiView profile

Researcher

• Microfabrication
• Dielectrophoresis
• Microfluidics
• +5 more

Maria Dimaki is a Senior Researcher at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), affiliated with the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine. Her research focuses on microfabrication, dielectrophoresis, microfluidics, and biosensing, with contributions to nanotechnology and biomedical engineering. She holds a PhD in Dielectrophoretic Assembly of Carbon Nanotube Devices from DTU (2004), preceded by studies in Engineering and Physical Science at Imperial College London (2001) and Electrical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (2000). Her research interests include developing advanced microfluidic systems for biomedical applications, such as pathogen detection, milk analysis, and neural studies. She has supervised multiple PhD students, including projects on photonic sensors, bacterial viability classification, and milk contaminant detection. Her work aligns with UN SDGs, particularly addressing sustainable health and innovation. Recent publications emphasize microfluidic platforms for PCR, impedance-based cytometry, and nanoscale sensor technologies. She has co-invented methods for improving milk sample analysis and has participated in international conferences on microfluidics and analytical miniaturization. Her lab integrates nanotechnology, biosensors, and biomedical engineering for innovative diagnostic solutions.

Zeba WunderlichView profile

Associate Professor

• Regulation of Gene Expression
• Design Principles of Enhancers
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Zeba Wunderlich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Boston University, with an affiliated faculty position in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. She holds a PhD in Biophysics from Harvard University and a BA in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and Statistics from Rutgers University. Her research focuses on understanding gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in Drosophila, particularly their architecture, robustness, and evolution in developmental and immune contexts. Dr. Wunderlich’s work combines experimental approaches like imaging and genomic measurements with computational models to study GRNs in Drosophila embryonic patterning and innate immunity. She investigates how regulatory DNA variation impacts transcriptional regulation, leveraging both natural sequence diversity and experimental perturbations. Awards: PECASE (2025), Teaching Excellence (2021), Dean’s Honoree (2020), Chancellor’s Research Award (2019), Hellman Fellowship (2017), and NIH K99/R00 (2012). Advising: Mentors PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students in Biology, BME, and related programs. Alumni hold positions at top institutions such as Emory, UCSF, and Harvard. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wunderlich Lab, integrating experimental and computational methods to study GRNs.

Robert HunterView profile

Assistant Professor

• Medical Diagnostics
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• +3 more

Robert Hunter is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in the development of advanced biosensors and analytical platforms for medical diagnostics and biomedical applications. His research focuses on integrating nanotechnology and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the early detection of diseases such as ovarian cancer, bacterial infections, and viral pathogens. He has pioneered work on exosome-based biosensors, light-triggered antimicrobial surfaces, and optofluidic diagnostic systems. Key research interests include the application of machine learning algorithms to biomedical spectral data, the design of electrochemical sensors for on-farm livestock health monitoring, and the use of C. elegans as a model organism for drug discovery. His interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering, chemistry, and biology to address challenges in precision medicine and rapid diagnostics. As a Full-time Faculty member, Dr. Hunter contributes to teaching and research in cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on translating laboratory innovations into practical clinical and agricultural solutions.

Christina BoucherView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Metagenomics
• +5 more

Dr. Christina Boucher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on bioinformatics, with a particular emphasis on developing algorithms and software for genomic data analysis, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and metagenomics. She is known for her contributions to succinct data structures and alignment methods, and her work on tools like MEGARes and AMRPlusPlus has significantly impacted antibiotic resistance classification. Dr. Boucher holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, where she was supported by prestigious awards including the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship and NSERC Fellowships. Her research interests span computational genomics, algorithm design, and software development for high-throughput sequencing. She has pioneered methods for pangenome indexing, long-read haplotype reconstruction, and portable metagenomics analysis. Dr. Boucher actively promotes diversity in bioinformatics through her roles on committees such as the NSF Research Traineeships Program advisory board and the University of Florida’s Implicit Bias committee. Key Awards: ESA 2016 Best Paper Award, NSERC Doctoral Award, Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Software Contributions: MEGARes, AMRPlusPlus, METAMarc, Moni Professional Roles: NIH BDMA Study Section Standing Member, Board Member of SIG BIO Dr. Boucher’s publications reflect a blend of algorithmic innovation and applied genomic research. Recent work addresses challenges in portable sequencing device security, resistome-mobilome colocalization detection, and high-accuracy assembly polishing. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span microbiology, veterinary medicine, and clinical sciences, underscoring the translational impact of her computational approaches. Her teaching and mentorship efforts focus on curriculum development and fostering inclusive environments in STEM. She has been a key figure in advancing computational tools for antimicrobial resistance monitoring and has contributed to NIH-funded initiatives aimed at improving antibiotic therapy through causal modeling techniques.

David RizzoView profile

Professor

• Mycology
• Forest Pathology
• Fungal Ecology and Systematics
• +3 more

David Rizzo is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Department Chair at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on fungal pathogens impacting forest ecosystems, particularly Phytophthora species and their roles in sudden oak death. He investigates mycology, fungal ecology, and the interactions between pathogens, climate, and forest management practices. Dr. Rizzo's work emphasizes understanding disease dynamics, biodiversity impacts, and mitigation strategies in California's diverse ecosystems. His studies combine field observations, molecular techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches to address global plant health challenges. Key research areas include: Phytophthora species distribution and evolution Forest pathogen interactions with wildfire One Health frameworks for plant disease control Ecological consequences of sudden oak death Recent work highlights the importance of environmental factors (e.g., microclimate, soil conditions) in pathogen survival and spread. His publications address disease management strategies, restoration approaches, and the integration of genetic data for pathogen identification. Collaborations with land managers and policymakers ensure practical applications of his research.

Kimberly PratherView profile

Professor

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Climate Sciences
• Aerosol-Cloud Interactions
• +7 more

Kimberly Prather is a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, San Diego, jointly appointed at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She holds the Distinguished Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry and leads major research centers, including the NSF Center for Aerosol Impacts on Climate and Environment (CAICE) and the Meta-Institute for Airborne Disease in a Changing Climate. Her work focuses on aerosol impacts on climate, air quality, and public health, with interdisciplinary expertise spanning atmospheric chemistry, microbiology, and environmental science. Dr. Prather earned her B.S. (1985) and Ph.D. (1990) in Chemistry from UC Davis. Her research utilizes advanced techniques like aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) and the SOARS facility to study ocean-derived aerosols, bioparticle transport, and climate interactions. She investigates how pollutants, pathogens, and marine emissions influence human health and climate dynamics through aerosol-cloud interactions and atmospheric transport. Research Highlights: Development of ATOFMS for real-time aerosol analysis. Pioneering studies on airborne pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 transmission during the pandemic. Leadership in CAICE, simulating ocean-atmosphere systems to study aerosol chemistry. Advocacy for indoor air quality policies and safe reopening strategies. Awards: 2024 National Academy of Sciences Award in Chemical Sciences 2023 Gustavus John Esselen Award 2022 Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Award Member of National Academy of Sciences (2020) and National Academy of Engineering (2019) Collaborations: Her team collaborates with health sciences experts, engineers, and microbiologists to address interdisciplinary challenges, including climate-driven airborne disease risks and urban air quality solutions. Current projects include tracking ocean-derived pollutants and developing predictive models for public health alerts.

Rebecca PoulsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Wildlife Health
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Rebecca Poulson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, affiliated with the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study. She holds a BS in Biology from Cornell University (2001) and a PhD in Infectious Diseases from the University of Georgia (2016). Her research focuses on viral pathogens in wildlife, particularly influenza, paramyxoviruses, and orbiviruses, with an emphasis on their ecology, epidemiology, and evolution. Key interests include viral persistence in natural environments, migration-driven pathogen spread, and conservation implications of wildlife diseases. Education: Bachelor of Science (2001), Cornell University, Biology Doctor of Philosophy (2016), University of Georgia, Infectious Diseases Dr. Poulson's work addresses critical questions such as the movement of viruses with migratory hosts, mechanisms of viral persistence, and surveillance strategies for emerging pathogens. Recent projects include studies on avian influenza persistence in wetlands, viral spread in shorebirds, and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 in lagomorphs. Her research integrates field studies, genomic analysis, and experimental infections to understand disease dynamics in wildlife populations. Notable contributions include investigations into the intercontinental spread of H5N1 influenza and the role of wild birds as reservoirs for viral pathogens. Dr. Poulson collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing One Health approaches to combat zoonotic diseases. She has published widely in journals such as Nature Communications , Emerging Infectious Diseases , and Viruses , and contributes to global efforts to monitor and mitigate avian influenza outbreaks.

Douglas PatonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Disease Ecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Vector Biology
• +7 more

Douglas Paton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Joint Faculty at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. His research focuses on malaria transmission dynamics, particularly the interaction between Plasmodium falciparum parasites and Anopheles mosquitoes. His work combines lab-based molecular biology with field studies in sub-Saharan Africa to develop novel strategies for reducing the global malaria burden. Key areas include Plasmodium mitochondrial function, mosquito vector biology, and ecoevolutionary consequences of interventions. Research interests include Plasmodium transmission mechanisms, Anopheles vector competence, and malaria elimination strategies. His lab employs multi-omics approaches, experimental infections, and field studies at SREL to investigate vector-parasite interactions during critical developmental stages like diapause. Recent efforts emphasize CRISPR-based genetic control, steroid hormone signaling modulation, and antimalarial delivery systems to mosquitoes. Publications highlight breakthroughs in mosquito population control, antimalarial efficacy in vectors, and understanding resistance mechanisms. Paton's work bridges basic science and applied public health, aiming to inform sustainable malaria control policies. He collaborates with global health organizations and field researchers to translate laboratory findings into real-world interventions.

Daniel PeachView profile

Assistant Professor

• Vector Ecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical and Veterinary Entomology
• +4 more

Dr. Daniel Peach is an Assistant Professor in Vector Ecology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia, affiliated with the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and the Department of Infectious Diseases in the College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on mosquito ecology, vector-borne disease dynamics, and the application of ecological insights to vector control. He investigates topics such as mosquito-plant interactions, host location behavior, and the biogeography of vector species. His work combines field studies, molecular techniques, and computational models to understand vector ecology and transmission pathways. Recent studies include investigations into invasive mosquito species in Canada, the role of nectar microbes in mosquito pollination, and the sensory mechanisms driving mosquito behavior. Dr. Peach leads the Peach Lab at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, which emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to vector ecology. His research has been published in journals such as Current Opinion in Insect Science, PLOS ONE, and BMC Ecology and Evolution. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to understanding vector ecology and disease dynamics are widely recognized in entomological and public health circles. Future work includes expanding studies on invasive species impacts, climate-driven range shifts in mosquitoes, and developing novel control strategies based on sensory ecology principles.

David KnudsenView profile

Professor

• Veterinary Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Viruses
• +3 more

David Knudsen is a Professor and Veterinary Pathologist at the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRD) of South Dakota State University (SDSU), where he also serves as an instructor for courses VET 601 and VET 648 in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine. His academic background includes a B.S. (1979) and D.V.M. (1982) from Colorado State University, an M.S. (1985) from the University of Missouri, and residencies in Veterinary Pathology and Laboratory Animal Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Knudsen's research focuses on veterinary pathology, infectious diseases, zoonotic viruses, and cancer stem cell biology. His work spans bovine, swine, avian, and wildlife systems, with notable contributions to understanding astrovirus in cattle, influenza in horses and swine, and avian influenza in Egyptian poultry and raptors. He has also explored the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like phenethyl isothiocyanate in targeting cancer stem cells. His publications (2008–2023) highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including vaccine development against enterotoxigenic E. coli, viral pathogenesis studies, and environmental impacts on wildlife health. His lab at ADRDL collaborates on diagnostic and translational research to address emerging diseases in livestock and wildlife, emphasizing One Health principles. Knudsen’s professional service includes teaching, diagnostic pathology, and contributions to laboratory animal medicine standards. His office is located in Room 1122, Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, SDSU.

• cancer immunobiology
• immunotherapy
• nucleotide metabolism
• +3 more

Caius Gabriel Radu is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and the Department of Surgery at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. His research program focuses on understanding fundamental biological processes at the interface between metabolic and signal transduction networks in cancer, immune cells, and stromal cells, with the goal of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Dr. Radu's research expertise spans cancer immunobiology, immunotherapy, nucleotide metabolism, and molecular imaging. His laboratory has established a highly integrated research program that includes state-of-the-art instrumentation for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Mass Spectrometry platforms for metabolomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics. His interdisciplinary team collaborates with experts across UCLA and other institutions in molecular imaging, cancer metabolism, immunobiology, signal transduction, structural biology, radiochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and virology. Dr. Radu's research has led to significant discoveries, including uncovering a new role for the nucleoside salvage pathway in hematopoiesis, developing new PET probes for nucleotide metabolism (some of which have been translated to clinical use), and discovering novel small molecule inhibitors of metabolic kinases. One of these inhibitors has entered Phase I clinical trials (NCT05055609) for selected solid tumors and autoimmune disorders. His work also focuses on the immunobiology of pancreatic and prostate cancers, seeking to identify novel immunometabolic checkpoints that could be pharmacologically modulated alone or in combination with other therapies. Challenge Award, Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2017-2019 Challenge Award, Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2019-2021 Dr. Radu is currently Principal Investigator or Multiple Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded research projects, including studies on innovative mRNA vaccines for solid tumors, adenosine signaling in pancreatic cancer, PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, and targeting KRAS and adenosine-mediated immunosuppression. In collaboration with Dr. Norbert Pardi at UPenn, he has established a platform for evaluating mRNA lipid nanoparticle platforms for cancer immunotherapy.

• Medical Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Zoonotic Diseases
• +3 more

Professor Mark Fielder is a Professor of Medical Microbiology at Kingston University, UK, affiliated with the Department of Biomolecular Sciences in the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education. He holds a PhD from King's College London (1995) and has been a faculty member since 1998, progressing to a professorship in 2011. His research focuses on rapid infectious disease diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance mitigation, and One Health approaches to zoonotic diseases. Education: BSc Microbiology (King's College London), PhD in Microbiology and Immunology (1995) Awards: Tadion-Rideal Prize for outstanding doctoral work Research Interests: Development of novel diagnostic tools, combating antimicrobial resistance in clinical/veterinary contexts, antibiotic overspill into wildlife populations, and zoonotic disease dynamics. Current projects include Nipah virus ecology in bat reservoirs and biofilm characterization in Mycoplasma species. Publications span 30 years, emphasizing antimicrobial strategies, zoonotic risk management, and diagnostic innovation. Recent work highlights One Health frameworks in China's wildlife trade and pandemic response mechanisms for SARS-CoV-2. Awards: Tadion-Rideal Prize (1995) Advisory Roles: Adviser to Clinical Laboratory Sciences Institute, Member of Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, and President of the Society for Applied Microbiology.

Lachlan SchwarzView profile

Lecturer

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• +8 more

Lachlan Schwarz is a Lecturer in Chemistry at Charles Sturt University (CSU), affiliated with the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences. He holds a BSc and PhD from the University of Newcastle (UoN), where his doctoral research focused on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) and their application in analyzing 'Cork Taint' compounds in wines. Prior to academia, he gained industry experience as an Analytical Chemist at Bluetongue Brewery and Senior Analytical Chemist at Amdel Environmental Laboratories. His postdoctoral work at Monash University and CSU's National Wine and Grape Industry Centre explored MIPs for bioactive compound recovery and fungal metabolite impacts on grape/wine quality. Research Interests: Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for selective separation and sensing Food and wine quality analysis, including ergosterol-based fungal contamination detection Phenolic compound extraction from rice bran for health benefits Development of virtual chemistry lab tools for education Professional Roles: CSU's representative to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), with additional memberships in the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) and The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Active in advancing analytical chemistry applications in food safety and environmental monitoring. Recent Research Trends: His articles focus on MIP applications in food/wine analysis, fungal metabolite detection in grapes, and bioactive compound characterization. Highlights include ergosterol as a Botrytis biomarker and rice bran phenolics' anti-diabetic effects. Lab Affiliations: Part of the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre and the Chemistry Teaching Team at CSU, contributing to both research and pedagogical innovation.

Muhammad J. A. ShiddikyView profile

Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanobiotechnology
• Biosensing
• +7 more

Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky is a Distinguished Professor of Nanotechnology at Charles Sturt University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (FRACI). His research focuses on developing advanced biosensing methods and portable diagnostics devices, with applications in healthcare, agriculture, and biosecurity. He leads the Rural Health Research Institute and contributes to the University's research in molecular diagnostics and nanomedicine. Education : PhD in Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (Pusan National University, 2007); MSc in Physical Chemistry (Shahjalal University, 1999); BSc in Chemistry (Shahjalal University, 1998) Professor Shiddiky's research expertise spans microfluidics, nanobiotechnology, electroanalytical chemistry, and surface chemistry. He specializes in designing diagnostics tools for cancer , maternal health complications , metabolic disorders , and crop diseases . His work has resulted in multiple patents and collaborations with industry partners, advancing technologies for remote communities and precision agriculture. His 15 most recent publications highlight innovations in DNA adsorption biosensors, mutation detection for colorectal cancer, Cryptosporidium oocyst analysis, Aboriginal health policy, sugarcane disease diagnostics, diabetic kidney disease management, and liver cancer precision medicine. These works integrate nanotechnology, microfluidics, and molecular diagnostics to address critical challenges in healthcare and agriculture. Scientific Awards : 2022 Griffith University Vice Chancellor's Award; ARC DECRA Fellowship (2012–2014); NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (2015–2019); Recognized among top 2% of global researchers by Stanford University (2021–2025) Professor Shiddiky has secured over $10.5 million in research funding since 2011, including seven ARC projects as lead or co-CI. He serves on the editorial boards of Analytical Chemistry (ACS), The Analyst (RSC), and other journals, and is an Executive Associate Editor for Analytical Sciences . His leadership extends to the Society for the ANZ Nano- and Microfluidics community and the ARC College of Experts (2023–2025).