Find Academic Supervisors

• Urban and Regional Planning
• Sustainability
• Equity and Social Justice
• +4 more

Dr. Kathryn Frank is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida's College of Design, Construction and Planning (CDCP), specializing in Urban and Regional Planning. As Director of the Florida Center for Innovative Communities, she leads applied research projects focusing on sustainable, equitable, and resilient community development. Her expertise spans small town/rural planning, coastal resilience, community engagement, and ecosystem management. She has secured over $1 million in interdisciplinary grants from organizations like the National Estuarine Research Reserve System and Florida Sea Grant. Dr. Frank holds a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech and teaches courses such as URP 6421 (Environmental Land Use Planning) and URP 6931 (Community Engagement). She advises doctoral students and contributes to the Sustainability Governing Board at UF. Her research emphasizes translating academic insights into actionable solutions for real-world challenges, particularly climate adaptation and social equity. Notable achievements include developing disease-resistant rice strains and enhancing drought tolerance in maize. Awards include the Florida APA's Award of Excellence for innovative planning approaches. She also mentors undergraduate capstone projects in Sustainability and the Built Environment. Education: Ph.D., Georgia Tech (2009); M.S., University of Oregon (2000); B.S., Georgia Tech (1994) Grants: Over $1M in funded projects focused on community resilience and agricultural innovation Labs/Initiatives: Leads the Florida Center for Innovative Communities, integrating research with community needs

Steven J. RehseView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Physics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Medical Diagnostics
• +3 more

Dr. Steven J. Rehse is the Department Head and Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Windsor, specializing in Experimental Biomedical Physics and AMO (Atomic, Molecular, Optical) Physics. His research focuses on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for rapid bacterial pathogen detection in clinical specimens such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. He has led a prolific research group, mentoring over 20 graduate and undergraduate students, and has presented at international conferences including LIBS XIII, SciX, and the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) Congress. His work bridges physics, biomedicine, and chemistry, aiming to develop faster diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. Dr. Rehse holds a Ph.D. from Colorado State University and has held academic positions at the University of Western Ontario and Wayne State University. His awards include the Roger Thibert Teaching Excellence Award (2013) and multiple NSERC grants. His lab collaborates with medical professionals and industry, advancing LIBS applications in clinical settings. Recent projects include emission enhancement techniques using silver thin films and interdisciplinary outreach with pre-optometry students. Key achievements include developing LIBS protocols for urinary tract infections and bacterial meningitis diagnosis, with publications in Spectrochimica Acta, Applied Spectroscopy, and other journals. He advocates for undergraduate research through programs like the Outstanding Scholars initiative and has engaged the public via media appearances and science outreach events.

• Animal Nutrition
• Animal Production
• Animal Reproduction and Breeding
• +2 more

Caroline Jacobson is Professor of Biochemistry and Nutrition and Head of the School of Agricultural Science at Murdoch University. With a background in veterinary science and livestock research, she leads initiatives to translate scientific innovation into practical farming solutions. Her research focuses on livestock disease impacts, production sustainability, and zoonotic disease control. Key research domains include gastrointestinal parasitology in ruminants and equines, reproductive disorders in sheep, antimicrobial resistance in livestock pathogens, and novel diagnostic development. Her work employs advanced molecular techniques and epidemiological approaches to address industry challenges. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on parasitic disease management in horses, reproductive wastage in sheep flocks, and development of evidence-based guidelines for livestock health. Research frequently involves multi-institutional collaborations and direct industry engagement.

• Vaccine Development
• Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• +3 more

Mariagrazia Pizza is a Professor of Microbiology and Co-director of the Centre of Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB) at Imperial College London's Faculty of Natural Sciences. She previously held roles as Senior Scientific Director of Bacterial Vaccines at GSK and Head of Research at GVGH. Her expertise spans over 30 years in vaccine development, with a focus on bacterial pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. She pioneered the MenB vaccine (4CMenB), which has been licensed in over 50 countries and protects infants against meningococcal B disease. Her current research targets Klebsiella pneumoniae, a multidrug-resistant pathogen, aiming to identify novel vaccine candidates and virulence factors. Education and Career: Extensive experience in academia and industry, including leadership roles in global vaccine initiatives. Research Interests: Vaccine development, bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and reverse vaccinology approaches. Key projects include MenB vaccine efficacy, cross-protection mechanisms, and Klebsiella virulence factors. She has received prestigious awards including the MahnHoon Award 2023 and is an elected member of EMBO, the European Academy of Microbiology, and Academia Europaea. With over 250 publications and 70 patents, she contributes to global health initiatives through WHO advisory roles and the IUMS Bacteriology Division. Labs and Collaborations: Leads the CBRB, collaborating globally on vaccine research and antimicrobial resistance solutions.

• Plant Lipid Biotechnology
• Oilseed Crops
• Oleaginous Microorganisms
• +4 more

Guanqun (Gavin) Chen is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Plant Lipid Biotechnology at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on enhancing seed oil production and customization in oilseed crops like canola and arabidopsis, alongside exploring lipid biotechnology in microorganisms such as yeast and microalgae. He holds a PhD from The University of Hong Kong and has received prestigious awards including the 2023 C.D. Nelson Award in Plant Biology and a Fulbright Scholar Award. His academic career includes teaching courses such as Lipid Science (AFNS 414/514) and Plants for Bioproducts (AFNS 545/PL SC 345). Research interests center on lipid biosynthesis mechanisms, metabolic engineering strategies, and improving agronomic traits like stress tolerance and seed quality. Key projects involve synthetic biology approaches to produce specialty oils and high-value bioproducts. Dr. Chen's lab (plb.ualberta.ca) actively seeks research students and has published extensively on topics ranging from CRISPR-mediated gene editing in plant immunity to novel methods for lipid analysis. He leads efforts to leverage microbial systems for sustainable biofuel production and value-added biomolecules, contributing to Canada's agricultural and biotechnology sectors.

Emma GrantView profile

Researcher

• Immunology
• Virology
• Influenza Research
• +3 more

Dr. Emma Grant is an Adjunct Research Associate in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Monash University. Her research focuses on T cell immunity, particularly in the context of influenza viruses, HLA molecule interactions, and viral pathogenesis. She has led major research projects funded by the NHMRC (2016–2020) and ARC (2021), investigating topics such as HLA-E restricted T cells and unconventional HLA molecules. Her work bridges immunology, virology, and molecular biology, with a strong emphasis on understanding CD8+ T cell responses to viral infections. Key areas include HLA-allomorph specific T cell behavior, cross-reactive immune responses, and the impact of genetic variability on immune outcomes. Recent studies have explored influenza virus-specific T cell dynamics in diverse populations, including Indigenous communities and individuals with diabetes. Dr. Grant’s publications highlight her expertise in T cell receptor biology, antigen presentation mechanisms, and the interplay between metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes) and immune function. She collaborates widely on global health initiatives, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction and health equity through her virology research. Notable contributions include identifying immunodominant influenza epitopes, characterizing HLA-associated immune risks, and advancing understanding of T cell cross-reactivity across viral strains. Her work has been featured in journals like Nature Communications and Journal of Experimental Medicine .

• Mycotoxicology
• Food Safety
• Microbiome Research
• +3 more

Dr. Chibundu Ngozi Ezekiel is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Previously, he served as Professor and Associate Professor of Food Microbiology and Mycotoxicology at Babcock University, Nigeria (2018-2022) and held roles at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Education: Ph.D. in Mycology/Mycotoxicology (University of Ibadan, 2009-2013), M.Sc. in Microbiology (University of Ibadan, 2005-2007), B.Sc. in Microbiology with First Class Honours (Babcock University, 2000-2004) Research Interests: Focus on mycotoxin contamination in food systems, microbiome interactions in agricultural products, and food safety in sub-Saharan Africa. Key areas include dietary exposure assessment, probiotic applications for toxin reduction, and molecular characterization of fungal communities. Recent Research Trends: His 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) span mycotoxin biomonitoring in infants, probiotic strain genomics, cereal contamination analysis, and microbiome-exposome interactions. Studies emphasize analytical methodologies (LC-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF), global health implications, and risk assessment frameworks. Scientific Awards & Fellowships Brigitte Gedek Science Award for Mycotoxin Research (2023) Top 50 Food Safety Expert Globally (2023) No. 2 Food Safety Expert in Africa (2021-2023) EU MycoRed Fellowship (2010) Babcock University First Class Graduate Assistantship (2005) Academic Service: Editorial Board Member for Mycotoxin Research (2023), Associate Editor for Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2019), and reviewer for 20+ journals including Food Control , Environment International , and World Mycotoxin Journal . Active in EU-China-Safe and FoodSafeR advisory boards.

• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus serves as Head of the Proteome and Metabolome Research Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) and Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld. His research focuses on proteomics and metabolomics applications in plant-microbe interactions, bacterial stress responses, and disease model systems. His laboratory employs advanced mass spectrometry imaging and cell phenotyping technologies to investigate molecular responses in crops like sugar beet and grapevines under abiotic stress conditions, as well as in cancer models where differentiation therapy impacts tumor malignancy. The group also explores microbial biotechnology through Xanthomonas campestris studies on xanthan production and stress adaptation. Selected publications highlight innovations in 3D microfluidics for biomarker detection and bioinformatics platforms like MetHoS for metabolomics data analysis. His work appears in journals covering Frontiers in Plant Science , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Experimental Botany . Contact: kniehaus@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de | Office: UHG W7-117

• Wine Science
• Viticulture
• Food Chemistry
• +6 more

Dr. Joanna Gambetta serves as a Lecturer in Food Science at the University of Newcastle , affiliated with the School of Environmental and Life Sciences . With academic qualifications from Montpellier SupAgro (MSc in Oenology and Viticulture) and the University of Adelaide (PhD in Wine Science), her research focuses on grape and wine quality assessment , biotic/abiotic stress impacts on aroma composition , and practical solutions for vineyard challenges in Australian contexts. Education : MSc in Oenology and Viticulture, Montpellier SupAgro PhD in Wine Science, University of Adelaide Research Interests span three primary domains: Antifungal microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for biocontrol applications, particularly against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata through novel analytical approaches Climate change adaptation strategies in viticulture, including modeling vine phenology and mitigating sunburn damage via secondary metabolite analysis Food chemistry innovations in plant-based protein gels and dairy alternatives, integrating fermentation and enzymatic crosslinking Publication Trends reveal a multidisciplinary approach combining analytical chemistry (SPME-GC-MS, LC-MS/MS), chemometrics , and industrial collaboration . Her work bridges agricultural science with food sensory analysis , while recent studies tackle plant-based cheese development using pea protein emulsions.

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Medicine
• +3 more

Mia Madel Alfajaro is an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale School of Medicine. She holds a DVM from the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine, and a PhD and MS in Molecular Medicine from Chonnam National University. Her research focuses on viral pathogenesis, host-virus interactions, and antiviral strategies, with a particular emphasis on norovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and rotavirus. Dr. Alfajaro collaborates extensively with leading researchers in virology and immunology, including Craig B. Wilen, Akiko Iwasaki, and Madison Strine. Her work combines molecular biology, CRISPR screening, and animal models to uncover mechanisms of viral persistence and immune evasion. Recent studies include identifying NINJ1 as a host factor hijacked by norovirus for protein secretion and demonstrating how bat-derived SARS-CoV-2 variants evade human immunity. She has also elucidated the role of intestinal tuft cells in norovirus persistence and explored pharmacological interventions targeting epigenetic regulators to block viral replication. Dr. Alfajaro’s research spans from basic virology to translational studies, including developing human iPSC-based COPD models to predict SARS-CoV-2 outcomes. Her contributions have advanced understanding of viral entry mechanisms, host dependency factors, and immune responses to emerging pathogens. She is affiliated with the Wilen Lab at Yale, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to combat viral infections.

Simon CameronView profile

Researcher

• Mass Spectrometry
• Microbiome Research
• Diagnostic Microbiology
• +3 more

Dr. Simon Cameron is a researcher at the School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. His work bridges microbiology and mass spectrometry with applications in health, disease, and infant nutrition. Key affiliations: School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast Public outreach: Featured in Channel 4’s Dispatches program 'Breastfeeding Uncovered' and cited in BBC, Daily Mail, and Science magazine Research Focus : Applying mass spectrometry to health and disease, with a primary emphasis on human milk profiling and systems biology approaches to infant microbiome development. Maintains active programs in novel diagnostic microbiology methods to reduce time-to-diagnosis. Scientific Contributions : Recent work explores REIMS for plant infection biomarkers, donor milk preservation, microbiome analysis in extreme environments, and metabolomic stability in extended breastfeeding. His group develops automated preprocessing tools for LC-MS data and investigates microbial-host interactions in diverse contexts. Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS) applications Human milk microbiome and metabolome Diagnostic microbiology innovations Systems biology approaches Scientific Recognition : Recipient of a 2024 Royal Society of Chemistry award for contributions to mass spectrometry methodologies.

• Vector-Borne Diseases
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Silaghi is a Professor at the University of Greifswald , affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Department of Biology . She serves as the Head of the Laboratory for Vector Capacity at the Institute of Infectology (IMED), focusing on tick-borne pathogens, mosquito-borne diseases, and vector ecology. Research emphasizes zoonotic diseases, vector microbiota, and environmental factors influencing pathogen transmission. Her work includes molecular analysis of Anaplasma , Babesia , and Dirofilaria species, with field studies in Germany, Switzerland, and Egypt. Publications highlight climate change impacts, diagnostic innovations, and strain variation in tick-borne diseases.

Matthew BakkerView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Plant Pathology
• Soil Microbiology
• +6 more

Matthew Bakker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Science. He leads the Bakker Lab - Agricultural Microbial Ecology Research Group , focusing on microbial ecology and species interactions affecting agricultural sustainability. At the University of Manitoba, he teaches Microbes In Our Environment , Introductory Biogeochemistry , and contributes to graduate courses in Evolution of Fungal Pathogens . PhD in Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota Postdoctoral research, Colorado State University Staff scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture His research spans multiple interconnected areas of agricultural microbiology: Ecological understanding of Fusarium graminearum pathogenesis Soil microbiome responses to agricultural practices Microbial detoxification of mycotoxins Malting process microbiology Microbial greenhouse gas fluxes in soil Biocontrol agent development The lab's recent publications focus on advanced diagnostics (MALDI-TOF spectrometry), pathogen-phytochemical interactions, microbiome engineering, and climate change impacts on microbial communities. Research is supported through the BENEFIT Project (Genome Canada) and collaboration with the Canadian Collection of Agricultural Soil Microbes (CCASM) . Students working under his supervision include: PhD candidates: M. Shimosh Kurera, Rebecca Pagès MSc students: Brian Harrison, Kelsey Wog, Hariniha Selvarajan Co-op students: Varisha Rehman, Robin Nelson Undergraduate researchers: Avery Hoeppner, Sara Mills International collaborators: Dr. Hina Shanakhat, Dr. Briana Whitaker The lab actively engages in: Soil microbial community analysis Endophyte-pathogen interaction studies Mycotoxin bioremediation research Plant microbiome engineering Agricultural sustainability initiatives Training through the EvoFunPath program

• Tuberculosis
• Respiratory Medicine
• Epidemiology
• +3 more

Dr. Vernon Hoeppner serves as Professor in the Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, where he pioneered North America's first Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) program for tuberculosis treatment. His career spans clinical practice, provincial TB program leadership, and research focused on health equity among Indigenous populations in Saskatchewan and the Canadian prairies, emphasizing that "therapy is only as good as relationships and trust with patients and communities." His research interests center on Tuberculosis epidemiology , Respiratory medicine , and Health disparities , with particular focus on Indigenous health outcomes, treatment adherence, and social determinants of disease. Hoeppner's work integrates clinical practice with public health strategy, examining TB transmission dynamics, cost-effectiveness of interventions, and genomic epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Analysis of his 2014-2025 publications reveals evolving research trajectories: early work concentrated on TB transmission in Indigenous communities and treatment protocols, while recent studies expanded into genomic epidemiology (2024), health economics of latent TB treatment (2020), and climate-disease interactions in pandemic modeling (2025). His scholarship consistently addresses health inequities through both quantitative epidemiological methods and qualitative patient-centered approaches.

• Molecular Biology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation
• +3 more

Jorge Humberto Gomes Leitão is an Associate Professor at the Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lisbon. He holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the Technical University of Lisbon. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, particularly in the Burkholderia cepacia complex, post-transcriptional gene regulation via sRNAs and RNA chaperones, exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, antimicrobial resistance, and microbial population dynamics. He teaches courses in microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics. His work spans interdisciplinary applications, including the development of novel antimicrobial strategies and biofuel technologies. Recent articles highlight his contributions to understanding bacterial virulence factors, RNA regulation, and material science for drug delivery. Collaborations with institutions globally underscore his impact in microbial research and biotechnology.