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Kyle KochView profile

Associate Professor

• Field Crops Entomology
• Insect Ecology
• Insect Pest Management
• +1 more

Dr. Kyle Koch serves as an Associate Extension Educator in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. His 100% Extension appointment focuses on field crops entomology, with expertise in insect ecology, pest management, and plant-insect interactions. Dr. Koch plays a key role in Nebraska Extension's statewide issue teams, developing educational programs and resources for agricultural stakeholders across the state. Dr. Koch's educational background includes: B.S. in Biology from Creighton University, Omaha, NE (2009) M.S. in Entomology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2013) Ph.D. in Entomology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2017) Dr. Koch's research centers on insect-plant interactions, particularly focusing on aphid pests in agricultural systems. His work examines the molecular, biochemical, and behavioral aspects of how insects interact with host plants, with special emphasis on switchgrass, sorghum, and soybean systems. He investigates plant defense mechanisms against aphids, including constitutive and inducible resistance, as well as plant tolerance strategies. His research integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and behavioral ecology to develop sustainable pest management approaches for agricultural systems. Analysis of Dr. Koch's publication record reveals a strong focus on aphid-plant interactions across multiple crop systems, with particular expertise in electrical penetration graph (EPG) technology for studying insect feeding behavior. His work spans molecular mechanisms of plant defense, behavioral ecology of insect pests, and applied pest management strategies. A significant portion of his research involves switchgrass as a bioenergy crop and its interactions with cereal aphids, reflecting both fundamental and applied research interests. Dr. Koch has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career: North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Graduate Student Teaching Award of Merit (2016) Dean's Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2015) Milton E. Mohr Research Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Center for Biotechnology (2014) Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Center for Biotechnology (2014) Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Center for Biotechnology (2012) North Central Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Student Competition, Oral 10-minute paper (1st Place) (2012) President's Prize Student Competition at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (2011) As an Extension Educator, Dr. Koch leads and innovates Nebraska's identification, surveillance, and mapping of invasive and threatening arthropod species, particularly those of economic importance. He trains extension personnel, UNL students, faculty, and staff in new insect diagnostic technologies and engages Nebraskans in citizen science projects focused on invasive species. His professional responsibilities include developing rapid and innovative insect diagnostics and providing state-wide leadership in entomology extension programming. Dr. Koch is an active member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions on projects related to insect-plant interactions and pest management. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in entomology, plant science, molecular biology, and agricultural extension.

Bill SoderstromView profile

Research Fellow

• Bacterial Cell Biology
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Microbial Morphogenesis
• +3 more

Dr. Bill Soderstrom is an ARC Future Fellow and leads the Microbial Super-Resolution Microscopy Lab at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection (AIMI), UTS. He holds roles including Program Director for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Pre-Med and Pharma Majors) and serves on the UTS Academic Board (2023-2024). With a PhD in Biophysics (Stockholm University, 2014) and MSc in Engineering Physics (KTH & Karolinska Institute), his research focuses on bacterial morphology during UTIs, employing advanced imaging and genetic techniques. His lab develops methodologies like cryo-CLEM and vertical imaging of bacteria to study cell division dynamics. Key achievements include securing $3M+ in grants (ARC, MRFF), pioneering UTI vaccine development, and receiving the Dean's Award and FASM Fellowship. His work impacts medical imaging, microbial pathogenesis, and antibiotic alternatives. Education: - PhD in Biophysics, Stockholm University, 2014 - MSc in Engineering Physics (KTH/Karolinska Institute), 2010 Research Interests: Utilizing super-resolution microscopy and microfluidics to investigate UTI-causing bacteria (e.g., UPEC, Klebsiella) under stress. Projects include identifying division inhibitors, imaging protein complexes in live bacteria, and developing mRNA vaccines for UTIs. Lab innovations: cryo-CLEM, vertical bacterial imaging, and multi-species infection models. Grants & Collaborations: - $1.8M MRFF grant for UTI mRNA vaccine (2023) - ARC Discovery Project on DamX dynamics (2021) - Collaboration with CSIRO/UNSW on vaccine development Labs & Teams: Lab webpage: soderstromlab.com Interdisciplinary team includes postdocs (e.g., Dr. Alaska Pokhrel), PhD/Master’s students, and international collaborators (OIST Japan, Institut Cochin France).

Sheng-Yang HeView profile

Professor

• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Plant Immunity
• Climate Change Impact on Disease
• +3 more

Sheng-Yang He is the Benjamin E. Powell Distinguished Professor of Biology at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, holding concurrent appointments in Cell Biology (Basic Science Departments) since 2022. Previously, he served at Michigan State University from 1995, including roles as University Distinguished Professor (2013–2020) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2011–2024). He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University in 1991. His research focuses on host-microbe interactions, particularly plant immunity against pathogens like Pseudomonas syringae and the impact of climate change on disease dynamics. Key interests include microbiome regulation, bacterial effector proteins, and plant defense mechanisms in Arabidopsis and agricultural crops. His lab explores strategies to enhance plant resilience through understanding co-evolutionary processes. Recent work highlights discoveries in postharvest fruit immunity, pathogen-induced membrane channels, and microbiome roles in autoimmune responses. He has secured major grants from NIH and USDA, including a $1.9M NIH award studying bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms. Awarded membership in the National Academy of Sciences (2015) and AAAS Fellow (2012), He has mentored numerous students through courses like BIOLOGY 531S (Interplay Between Plants and Climate Change) and advises on training programs like the Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology Training Program. His lab maintains an active presence in both academic and applied plant science communities.

Cameron JackView profile

Assistant Professor

• Apiculture
• Honey Bee Toxicology
• Pesticide Impact Assessment
• +3 more

Dr. Cameron Jack is an Assistant Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. He specializes in honey bee toxicology and apiculture education, focusing on developing programs to address beekeeping challenges and workforce training. His research emphasizes pesticide impacts on honey bees, varroa mite control, and small hive beetle management. Dr. Jack teaches courses related to honey bees and maintains an active research lab at the University of Florida, with a focus on practical solutions for bee health. Research interests include: Pesticide exposure pathways in beeswax, pollen, and sucrose Development of novel varroa destructor control methods Toxicology of common hive treatments and their safety to honey bees Behavioral studies using smoke and essential oils Recent work highlights seasonal efficacy of chemical treatments, in vitro rearing methods for parasites, and evaluation of new compounds for pest control. His publications span over 15 years, addressing both applied and theoretical aspects of honey bee health challenges. Dr. Jack operates the UF Honey Bee Lab, focusing on education and field-ready solutions for beekeepers.

• 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

Claudio GonzalezView profile

Professor

• Host-bacteria interactions
• Bacterial pathogenesis
• Probiotics
• +3 more

Claudio Gonzalez is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida. His research focuses on understanding host-bacteria interactions, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying probiotic effects and bacterial pathogenesis. He is affiliated with the UF Genetics Institute and directs the Gonzalez Lab, which employs advanced molecular biology and analytical techniques to study enzymatic pathways, extracellular vesicles, and immune modulation. His work integrates microbiology, immunology, and biotechnology to address challenges in human health, such as diabetes prevention and infectious disease control. Key areas include probiotic Lactobacillus strains' roles in modulating immune responses and their potential for therapeutic applications. Recent studies highlight his lab's contributions to understanding how probiotics influence dendritic cell behavior, inhibit viral replication, and enhance gut health through extracellular vesicle-mediated signaling. His research also addresses agricultural challenges, such as optimizing forage digestion and combating plant pathogens like Liberibacter asiaticus. Publications emphasize translational applications, including probiotic formulations, EV-based therapies, and enzymatic solutions for biofuel production. Collaborations span disciplines from clinical trials to agricultural biotechnology, underscoring the lab's interdisciplinary approach.

Emily BrunsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Infectious Disease Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Plant Pathology
• +3 more

Emily Bruns is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of infectious diseases in natural populations, using plant-fungal pathogen systems as models. She investigates how disease impacts host abundance, distribution, and the evolution of resistance traits. Her lab employs experimental and mathematical approaches to study age-specific resistance, transmission modes, and host-pathogen coevolution. Education: B.S., University of California, Santa Cruz (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) Ph.D., University of Minnesota (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) Postdoctoral Training: University of Virginia Research Interests: Ecological and evolutionary impacts of infectious diseases Age-specific disease resistance evolution Host-pathogen coevolution and transmission dynamics Climate change effects on plant-pathogen interactions Recent Awards: Early Career Award, Society for Evolutionary Demography (2016) NSF GRFP Honorable Mention (2009) Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Thesis (2006) Grants and Funding: NSF BEE NSFDEB-NERC Grant (2020–2023) NIH R01GM140457 (2020–2024) NIH R01GM12206 (2016–2020) Labs & Collaborations: Bruns Lab, University of Maryland Collaborations with J. Antonovics (UVA), M. Hood (Amherst College), and J.C. Metcalf (Princeton)

Lin LinView profile

Associate Professor

• Corporate Law
• Corporate Finance
• Chinese Corporate and Securities Law
• +3 more

Dr. Lin Lin is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore (NUS Law). Her expertise spans corporate law, corporate finance, and Chinese corporate and securities law. She holds a PhD and LLM from NUS, and an LLB from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Dr. Lin has held visiting positions at Stanford Law School, University of Oxford, and University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on corporate governance structures, cross-border financial regulations, and legal frameworks governing Chinese enterprises. She has authored Venture Capital Law in China (Cambridge University Press, 2021), a seminal work in corporate law scholarship. Dr. Lin teaches courses on Chinese Law, Private Equity, and Venture Capital at NUS, and has delivered lectures at leading institutions worldwide. Professional Roles: Editorial Board Member of Asian Journal of Comparative Law , Arbitrator at Hainan Court of International Arbitration, and Mediator at Hainan International Commercial Mediation Centre. Grants & Awards: Recipient of President's Graduate Fellowship, and peer reviewer for American Journal of Comparative Law . Practice Experience: Former Legal Policy Officer at Singapore's Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), and Assistant Counsel at Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). Her research integrates legal analysis with comparative institutional frameworks, addressing contemporary challenges in corporate law across jurisdictions. Dr. Lin actively engages in executive training programs for legal practitioners in Asia and advises on corporate reforms in Taiwan.

Sung KimView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetic regulation of immune responses
• Macrophage biology
• Innate immunity
• +3 more

Sung Kim is an Associate Professor at The University of Western Ontario, where he leads the Kim Lab (http://www.kimlab-uwo.com/). He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia and completed his postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute in San Diego. His research focuses on understanding epigenetic and signaling mechanisms governing macrophage responses to microbes, tissue injury, and cancer. His work investigates how macrophages adapt to environmental cues through epigenetic reprogramming, particularly in contexts of immune tolerance (e.g., to commensal bacteria) and immune dysregulation (e.g., in tumors). Key areas include histone acetylation-mediated tolerance to bacterial components like lipopolysaccharides, and transcription factor roles in tumor-associated macrophage behavior. Publications highlight contributions to understanding anthrax toxin pathogenesis, probiotic immunomodulation (via Lactobacillus rhamnosus), and mechanisms of cytokine regulation (e.g., IL-1β, G-CSF). His lab employs genetic, biochemical, and cellular approaches to dissect signaling pathways in macrophage plasticity. Notable research tools include quasi-haploid RAW 264.7 cell mutagenesis systems and in vivo models of colitis and probiotic efficacy. Current projects aim to translate epigenetic insights into therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases and cancer immunotherapy.

• Disease Ecology
• Migration Biology
• Wildlife-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Bethany Hoye is a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Senior Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS). Her research focuses on wildlife-microbe interactions, particularly in migratory species such as birds and bats, and their implications for disease ecology and conservation. She holds a PhD from Utrecht University and has been recognized with the ARC DECRA Fellowship. Her research interests include disease transmission dynamics, the ecological consequences of animal migrations, and the impact of global change on wildlife populations. She collaborates widely with scientists, land managers, and health professionals to address interdisciplinary challenges in these areas. Recent articles highlight her work on microbiome dynamics in migratory species, antimicrobial resistance in urban wildlife, and the epidemiology of avian influenza. Notable grants include funding from the Australian Research Council and the CRC for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and Environments. She supervises PhD students exploring topics such as antimicrobial resistance and wildlife behavior. Education: PhD in Ecology, Utrecht University (2011) Affiliations: Outbreak Project, Wildlife Health Australia, Ecological Society of Australia Grants: CRC SAAFE, ARC DECRA, SEALS equipment grants Labs/Teams: Part of the SEALS research group and collaborates with global networks on One Health initiatives.

• Entomology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Genetic Variation
• +3 more

Allen L. Szalanski is a Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Arkansas. His research focuses on molecular diagnostics and genetic variation of invasive insect species, particularly honey bees, termites, ticks, and agricultural pests. He teaches ENTO 4043/5043 Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping. Education : PhD in Entomology (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1995), MS in Entomology (Kansas State University, 1992), BS in Agriculture (University of Manitoba, 1989) His work includes phylogenetic studies of termites using mitochondrial markers, population genetics of Amblyomma americanum ticks in Arkansas, and development of multiplex PCR assays for bed bug and trypanosomatid diagnostics. Recent studies examine Lotmaria passim in honey bees and expanded host ranges of invasive pests like Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae. Key collaborative efforts involve taxonomy revisions (e.g., Nasutitermes synonymy) and applied research on biological control agents such as Metarhizium species. He has mentored over 10 graduate students, many now in prominent roles in academia, USDA, and industry.

Erik WenningerView profile

Professor

• Integrated Pest Management
• Agricultural Entomology
• Vector Ecology
• +2 more

Erik Wenninger is Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Idaho, serving as Integrated Pest Management Coordinator. Based at Kimberly Research Center, his program addresses arthropod management in agricultural systems, with emphasis on vector ecology and disease epidemiology. Research examines beet leafhopper ecology, potato psyllid biology, and non-target impacts of pest control strategies. Develops IPM protocols for Pacific Northwest crops including potatoes, sugar beets, and alfalfa. Leads extension education on beneficial insect identification and management.

Andrea A. BerryView profile

Associate Professor

• Malaria Immunology
• Pediatric Vaccine Trials
• Clinical Vaccine Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Andrea A. Berry is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in Medicine. She specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and malaria immunology, leading the Malaria Immunology Unit within the Malaria Research Program at the University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD). Her work focuses on the humoral immune response to malaria and clinical vaccine trials, including studies on SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and rotavirus vaccines. Education: Columbia College (B.A., Biochemistry, 1998), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (M.D., 2003), University of Maryland (M.S., Epidemiology and Clinical Research, 2023). Completed pediatrics residency at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (2003–2006) and a pediatric infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (2006–2009). Research interests include malaria vaccine development, antibody response dynamics to vaccines, and controlled human malaria infection studies. Her group explores pre-erythrocytic immune responses and vaccine candidate evaluation. Recent studies addressed SARS-CoV-2 antibody persistence, vaccine acceptance factors, and malaria immunoproteomics. Key awards include the 2016 Passano Foundation Clinician-Investigator Award. She is active in professional societies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Infectious Disease Society of America. Dr. Berry contributes to clinical trials, public health advisory committees (Baltimore schools), and media outreach on infectious diseases and vaccines.

Joseph M. CarlinView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• +2 more

Joseph M. Carlin is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Miami University, where he serves as Director of the Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education and chairs the Pre-health Advisory Committee. His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis evasion of immune responses and the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in antimicrobial defense. He investigates cytokine-mediated immune mechanisms using molecular and cellular approaches. Research Focus: Chlamydia immune evasion strategies Cytokine regulation of indoleamine dioxygenase Macrophage-pathogen interactions Interferon-mediated antimicrobial pathways Leadership Roles: Director of Mallory-Wilson Center, Institutional Biosafety Committee Chair, and advisor for pre-health programs.

Gerald B. KoudelkaView profile

Professor

• DNA-protein interaction
• DNA structure
• Bacterial pathogenesis
• +3 more

Gerald B. Koudelka is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. His research focuses on two major themes: mechanisms of DNA-protein interactions and the evolutionary role of bacteriophage-encoded exotoxins as antipredator defenses. Dr. Koudelka earned his PhD from the University at Buffalo and completed postdoctoral research at Harvard University. His work combines molecular genetics, microbial ecology, and evolutionary biology to explore how bacteria interact with their environment. Key areas include understanding how regulatory proteins recognize DNA sequences and investigating the ecological functions of Shiga toxin-encoding bacteriophages in bacterial survival strategies. Research highlights include discovering that Shiga toxin production may primarily function as a defense against predatory protists rather than targeting mammals, and elucidating the role of DNA conformation in protein binding specificity. His lab has also developed novel recombineering systems for genetic manipulation of enterohemorrhagic E. coli. Recent studies (2023-2024) focus on how bacterial surface structures like LPS influence amoeba predation and the role of prophage-encoded enzymes in regulating toxin expression. Awards include the SUNY Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award and American Academy of Microbiology Fellowship. Dr. Koudelka maintains an active laboratory at Buffalo, with ongoing projects investigating bacterial defense mechanisms, phage-toxin ecology, and the environmental persistence of pathogenic E. coli strains.