Find Academic Supervisors

Cynthia OcambView profile

Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Crop Disease Management
• Fusarium Diseases
• +4 more

Cynthia Ocamb is a Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University, affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook. Her research focuses on plant disease diagnosis and integrated management strategies in vegetable and field crops, particularly targeting soilborne and seedborne pathogens affecting hop, hemp, and Brassica crops. She co-edits the Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook and collaborates on projects addressing Fusarium diseases and hemp pathology. Education Ph.D., University of Minnesota (2009) M.S., Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University (2000) B.S., Horticultural Sciences, North Carolina State University (1998) Research Interests Dr. Ocamb's work emphasizes pathogen biology, disease suppression using cultural and chemical practices, and biopesticide applications. Current projects include: Management of soilborne Fusarium diseases in specialty crops Hemp disease surveys and pathology Black leg disease in Brassica crops Integration of UV-C lighting for pest control in greenhouse systems Publications Her recent work addresses hemp pathogens, nematode interactions, hop disease diagnostics, and UV-C applications. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters highlight her contributions to plant pathology. Outreach Dr. Ocamb leads extension efforts on disease management for Pacific Northwest growers, providing resources on hemp diseases, nematode mitigation, and integrated pest management strategies.

Sun Da-WenView profile

Professor

• Quality and safety of food products
• Computer vision and hyperspectral imaging technology
• Cooling, drying and refrigeration processes and systems
• +1 more

Dr. Sun Da-Wen is a Full Professor at University College Dublin (since 2006), with a career spanning over three decades in food engineering and refrigeration science. He has held academic roles from Lecturer (1995) to Full Professor, and has been affiliated with UCD since 1995. His research focuses on food safety, advanced imaging technologies (e.g., terahertz imaging), refrigeration systems, and bioprocess optimization. He leads global initiatives in agricultural and biosystems engineering, including founding the International Academy of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Education & Career: 1988-1989: Lecturer at South China University of Technology 1989-1990: Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Stuttgart (Germany) 1990-1991: Research Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast 1991-1994: Research Fellow at University of Newcastle upon Tyne Research Interests: Dr. Sun’s work addresses cutting-edge challenges in food engineering, including non-destructive quality assessment (e.g., pest detection via terahertz imaging), novel drying and freezing technologies, and sustainable food preservation. He pioneers innovations like green cryoprotective agents and smart packaging materials for temperature regulation. Awards & Recognition: Highly Cited Researcher (Clarivate Analytics, 2015–2023) Member of Academia Europaea (2011) Foreign Member of Polish Academy of Sciences (2017) IAEF Lifetime Achievement Award (2015) Labs & Collaborations: His research integrates interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging advanced spectroscopy, machine learning, and nanotechnology. Key projects include developing SERS-based sensors for pesticide detection and optimizing non-thermal processing techniques for food safety and quality.

Natalia MartinezView profile

Researcher

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Agricultural Entomology
• +3 more

Natalia Martinez is a Researcher at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, based at the KTRDC Building in Lexington, KY. Her work focuses on plant virology, agricultural pest management, and biological control mechanisms. Key research areas include the epidemiology of Tospoviruses (e.g., Tomato spotted wilt virus and Impatiens necrotic spot virus) in crops like tobacco and solanaceae plants, alongside investigations into host-pathogen interactions and molecular diagnostic techniques. Dr. Martinez also explores integrated approaches to disease management, including the use of beneficial bacteria and chemical inducers to enhance plant resistance. Her research has addressed critical agricultural challenges such as virus transmission via thrips vectors, weed-based reservoirs of plant pathogens, and the economic impacts of crop diseases. She has contributed to developing rapid inoculation methods for tospoviruses and protocols for preserving nucleic acids on FTA cards to aid field diagnostics. Collaborative efforts include participation in international symposia on thrips and tospoviruses, reflecting her role in advancing global plant pathology research. Dr. Martinez's publications span over two decades, with recent contributions focusing on proteomic analyses of host-pathogen interactions (2012), historical economic impacts of crop diseases, and innovative methods for managing viral diseases in agricultural systems. Her work bridges fundamental research with applied solutions for sustainable crop production.

Andrew KnissView profile

Professor

• Weed Science
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Herbicide Physiology
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Kniss is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Wyoming. His research focuses on sustainable weed management in agronomic crops, including sugarbeet, winter wheat, corn, and dry beans. Key research themes include herbicide physiology, weed seedbank ecology, and herbicide-resistant crops. He teaches courses such as PLNT 3030 - Ecology of Plant Protection, PLNT 4070/5070 - Weed Science & Technology, and PLNT 5080 - Applied Statistical Programming for the Plant Sciences. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to agricultural challenges, integrating crop science, environmental stewardship, and statistical analysis. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding shade avoidance mechanisms in crops, herbicide resistance management strategies, and the ecological impacts of irrigation practices. His research has been published in journals like Weed Science , Weed Technology , and Plant, Cell & Environment . Dr. Kniss collaborates extensively on projects addressing agricultural sustainability, including studies on cover crop integration, pesticide toxicity, and crop yield optimization. His work bridges academic research with practical applications for farmers and policymakers.

Martin KaltenpothView profile

Professor

• Symbiosis
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Prof. Martin Kaltenpoth holds a dual role as Professor for Evolutionary Ecology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Director/Scientific Member at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena. He completed his BSc (2000), MSc (2003), and PhD (2006) in biology at the University of Würzburg. His career includes research associate positions at the University of Regensburg (2006–2009) and University of Utah (2007–2009), followed by leadership as a Max Planck Research Group Leader (2009–2015). His research focuses on symbiotic relationships between insects and bacteria, particularly exploring how microbial partners enable ecological adaptations such as herbivory, defense mechanisms, and environmental resilience. Key themes include symbiont transmission dynamics, metabolic contributions to host survival, and evolutionary drivers of symbiosis. He employs interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, field ecology, and genomic analysis. Recent work highlights symbiont roles in detoxification, nutrient supplementation, and defense against pathogens/predators. His studies on Drosophila, beetles, and parasitoid wasps reveal symbiont-mediated innovations shaping host biology and ecological success. Collaborative projects investigate symbiosis in agricultural pests, invasive species, and forest ecosystems. Lab activities center at the Max Planck Institute, emphasizing symbiont functional genomics and ecological impact assessments. Future work aims to bridge microbiology with societal applications, including education strategies for microbial science and policy implications of symbiosis research.

• Ecosystem Function
• Biodiversity
• Plant Community Ecology
• +5 more

Daniel Bunker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on ecosystem function, biodiversity, and plant community dynamics, with emphasis on tropical forests, functional diversity, and climate change impacts. He has led NSF-funded projects including 'Climate Change and Phenological Mismatch' (2013–2015) and co-led 'TraitNet' (2007–2014), a collaborative initiative advancing trait-based ecological research. His work integrates plant functional traits, ecosystem services, and conservation strategies. Notable contributions include the TRY plant trait database, enhancing global ecological research accessibility. Bunker's recent studies explore plant community assembly using maximum entropy models and investigate climate drivers affecting parasitic organisms in wildlife. His research bridges ecological theory with applied conservation, addressing biodiversity loss and ecosystem resilience in changing environments. Grants : NSF awards totaling over $2M for ecological research projects Key Projects : TraitNet collaboration, phenological mismatch experiments, and tropical forest conversion studies Publications : Over 34 peer-reviewed articles with 6,443 citations, including high-impact works on functional traits and ecosystem modeling Bunker's teaching includes courses on evolution, ornithology, and ecology, fostering student engagement in ecological research.

Adewale OgunmodedeView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Agricultural Economics
• Food Security
• Sustainability in Food and Farming
• +7 more

Adewale Ogunmodede is a Senior Lecturer in Business at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), UK, and a Visiting Associate Professor at the RAU-QAU Joint Institute for Agricultural Technology in China. His expertise spans agricultural economics, food security, and sustainable agriculture with a focus on youth empowerment, climate resilience, and smallholder farmer productivity. He holds advanced degrees from RAU, including a Ph.D. in progress, and has secured significant research funding through projects like the Sinocampus China collaboration and IFAD CARE initiatives. His work bridges policy analysis and practical implementation, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions for global agricultural challenges. Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Agricultural Economics (RAU) Second Master’s in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (RAU) Ph.D. candidate at RAU Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Plymouth Marjon University) Research Interests: Dr. Ogunmodede’s work addresses critical issues in agricultural development, including impact assessment of interventions, youth engagement in agribusiness, climate change adaptation, and linking smallholders to markets. He focuses on bridging policy and practice through innovative tools like digital advisory services and biosecurity management. Key Projects: Principal Investigator for Sinocampus China’s £20,000 Transnational Education Project on employability outcomes Lead on IFAD CARE’s £10,000 project enhancing policy evidence for youth in Africa Co-Investigator in the £100,000 COMESA Project analyzing MSME resilience during the pandemic Awards and Fellowships: Marshal Papworth Scholarship African Land and Food Fellowship Research Fellowships at IRPIA (Africa), IFRA Nigeria, and AAEA Teaching and Mentorship: Teaches across RAU and China campuses in modules like Agribusiness, Sustainable Management, and Entrepreneurship. He contributes to shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders through academic mentorship and curriculum development. Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and policy briefs in journals like CABI Agriculture & Bioscience and Sustainability , focusing on invasive species economics, climate adaptation, and youth-driven agribusiness innovations.

Aliyuda AliView profile

Lecturer

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Data Analytics
• +4 more

Dr. Aliyuda Ali is a Lecturer in Computer Science and Software Engineering at the School of Computing and Digital Technologies, part of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University. He holds a PhD in Automatic Control and Systems Engineering from the University of Sheffield (UK), an MSc from Usmanu Danfodiyo University (Nigeria), and a BSc from Gombe State University (Nigeria). His career includes roles as an Assistant Lecturer at Birmingham City University (2021–2024), a Research Associate at the University of Sheffield (2021), and a Graduate Teaching Assistant during his PhD (2018–2021). He also served as a Lecturer at Gombe State University (2011–2017). His research focuses on AI/ML-driven solutions for Sustainable Development Goals, including healthcare (SDG3), clean energy (SDG7), and industrial innovation (SDG9). He teaches courses such as MSc Big Data Analytics, BEng Software Engineering, and BSc Computer Science with AI. His modules include Programming Concepts, Software Architecture, and Reflective Skills for Apprentices. Dr. Ali’s publications span AI in education, medical imaging via deep learning, energy systems modeling, and reservoir engineering. His work addresses challenges like natural gas storage optimization, pest control through machine learning, and sustainable environmental practices. He is affiliated with the Industry and Innovation Research Institute and actively contributes to collaborative research projects. His expertise bridges academia and industry, emphasizing practical applications of technology for societal impact.

Alexie PapanicolaouView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +5 more

Associate Professor Alexie Papanicolaou is affiliated with the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University , within the Soil Biology and Genomics department. His research focuses on integrating molecular biology and bioinformatics to address challenges in agricultural biosecurity, climate adaptation, and evolutionary biology. He leads projects on genomic analysis of organisms like Heliconius butterflies, Helicoverpa armigera, and eucalyptus trees. Education: PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, prior positions at CSIRO and the University of Exeter. He co-developed Trinity RNA-Seq software and leads international genome consortia. Research Interests Evolutionary genomics and adaptive traits in insects Genomic model species development for agriculture and medicine Integration of genomics with spatial ecology Bioinformatics software engineering Grants 2024-2027: Citrus variety pathogen resistance assessment (Superior Production Co.) 2014-2018: CSIRO postdoctoral fellowship for Dr. Yeap 2014-2018: Horticulture Australia-funded RNAi research (AUD 2.36M) Awards CSIRO Office of the Chief Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014-2018) Labs/Teams : Stressed Fruit Fly Lab - investigates heat stress responses and genomic adaptations in insects.

Ben MooreView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant-animal interactions
• Chemical ecology
• Nutritional ecology
• +3 more

Associate Professor Ben Moore is an ecologist specializing in plant-animal interactions, chemical ecology, and the nutritional strategies of Australian marsupials, particularly koalas. He holds a position at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University, within the Plants, Animals and Interactions school. His research focuses on Eucalyptus-herbivore dynamics, climate impacts on ecosystems, and koala conservation. Education: BSc (Hons) Zoology, University of Melbourne Ph.D., Australian National University Research Interests: Chemical defenses in Eucalyptus and their effects on herbivores Koala diet and microbiome adaptations Climate change impacts on plant-animal interactions Ecological roles of plant secondary metabolites His work combines field studies, remote sensing, and lab analyses to address conservation and agricultural challenges. Articles Trends: Recent publications emphasize koala habitat suitability, drought effects on folivores, and nitrogen dynamics in pasture systems. Techniques like remote sensing and microbiome analysis are frequently employed. Grants & Projects: NSW Koala Strategy grants (2022–2025) Eucalyptus dieback studies (NSW Department of Planning, 2023–2024) Legume nitrogen fixation research (MLA Donor Company, 2022–2025) Labs & Teams: Active in HIE's Plants, Animals, and Interactions theme, collaborating with researchers like Rachael Nolan and Markus Riegler on koala ecology and ecosystem resilience.

Dimitris KavroudakisView profile

Associate Professor

• Spatial Analysis
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Agent-Based Modeling
• +7 more

Dr. Dimitris Kavroudakis is an Associate Professor of Geographical Analysis at the University of the Aegean , Department of Geography, Mytilene, Greece. He holds a PhD in Geography (Sheffield, UK), an MSc in GIS (Leeds, UK), and a BSc in Geography (University of the Aegean), with prior studies in Computer Information Systems (American College of Greece). His research spans advanced spatial analysis, agent-based modeling, network analysis, and GIS development, with a focus on smart cities, environmental monitoring, and socioeconomic inequality mapping. Academic Background PhD in Geography, University of Sheffield, UK MSc in GIS, University of Leeds, UK BSc in Geography, University of the Aegean, Greece Diploma in Computer Information Systems, American College of Greece His research integrates spatial data mining , spatial optimization , and agent-based modeling to address challenges in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and public health. Notable projects include CRISTINA (spatial analysis of pandemic spread), SDEM (smart environmental monitoring devices in public buildings), and LIFE TERRACESCAPE (restoration of Mediterranean landscapes). He employs open-source tools (e.g., QGIS, R) and hardware (Raspberry-PI) to advance sustainable solutions. Dr. Kavroudakis has contributed to 15 recent publications covering topics such as virtual reality in geoeducation, multiscale environmental monitoring, and precision pest management. His work emphasizes methodological innovation in spatial statistics, network analysis, and IoT data integration for smart city applications. Recent Projects CRISTINA : Spatial modeling of global pandemic dynamics SDEM : IoT-based environmental monitoring in public buildings LIFE TERRACESCAPE : Landscape restoration using geospatial methods SDG Indicators : Municipal contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals Smart City Ecosystems : Cloud-based urban planning tools Geospatial Big Data : Novel analytics for environmental and social datasets He provides consultancy services in geographical information systems, spatial modeling, and smart city development. His expertise includes policy development, project evaluation, and training workshops for professionals in GIS and remote sensing. He also develops open-source software, including R libraries ( goal ) and QGIS plugins for spatial analysis and UAV mission planning.

Michael SfakiotakisView profile

Professor

• Robotic Control Systems
• Bio-inspired Robotics
• Underwater Robotics
• +3 more

Michael Sfakiotakis is Professor of Robotic Control Systems and Director of the Computational Systems & Robotics Laboratory (CSRL) at the Hellenic Mediterranean University. His research spans bio-inspired robotics, autonomous systems, and educational technology, with particular expertise in underwater locomotion and agricultural applications. He has pioneered octopus-inspired robotic systems, developing multi-arm swimming robots and soft pneumatic manipulators. Agricultural robotics projects include disease detection frameworks for greenhouse crops and tomato harvesting robots. Educational contributions include remote-access laboratory platforms for engineering education. His publication trends demonstrate sustained innovation in biomimetic systems, particularly undulatory propulsion mechanisms for underwater robots. Recent work expands into agricultural automation and advanced control theory for autonomous vehicles in dynamic environments.

• Mathematical Analysis
• Partial Differential Equations
• Traffic Flow Modeling
• +3 more

Elena Rossi is an Associate Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Engineering Sciences and Methods. She specializes in Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Analysis, focusing on Partial Differential Equations, Traffic Flow Models, and Mathematical Biology. Her teaching includes Mathematical Analysis B for Mechatronics Engineering and Mathematics for Technologies in Intelligent Industry, emphasizing differential calculus, Laplace transforms, and computational tools like Python and MATLAB. She contributes to research on hyperbolic-parabolic systems, epidemiological modeling, and optimal control strategies for biological systems. Her work integrates theoretical analysis with practical applications in traffic management, cancer therapy, and environmental science. ORCID: 0000-0002-3565-4309 Research Interests: Traffic Pollution Management, Optimal Control in Biology, Nonlocal Models in Engineering Her articles explore topics such as predator-prey dynamics, district heating networks, and vaccine strategies, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches to real-world challenges. Teaching materials include detailed course syllabi on mathematical analysis and computational tools, supporting student learning through theoretical and practical exercises.

Serhiy MarchukView profile

Research Fellow

• Environmental Chemistry
• Soil Science
• Waste Management
• +4 more

Dr. Serhiy Marchuk is a Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland's Centre for Agricultural Engineering. He holds a BSc(Hons) from the University of Adelaide (2009) and a PhD in Soil Science (2016). His expertise spans soil/plant/biosolids/biochar analysis, waste management, nutrient cycling, and environmental chemistry. Marchuk focuses on optimizing organic fertilizers, biosolids land application, and mitigating soil degradation caused by agricultural practices. His research interests include soil structure dynamics, heavy metal mobility in biochar-amended soils, and sustainable solutions for livestock waste management. Key projects involve evaluating biochar for nutrient recovery from urine and improving methane potential of dairy manure through solid-liquid separation. Recent publications emphasize biochar-derived fertilizers, dairy waste valorization, and soil fertility management. He actively supervises doctoral research on biosolids-derived biochar applications and carbon reduction in dairy waste. Marchuk's work bridges laboratory studies with real-world agricultural challenges, contributing to both environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.

• Agricultural Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• +5 more

Dr. Alice Melland is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Agricultural Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland. She holds a BAgSc (1997) and PhD (2004) from the University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on agricultural sustainability, soil health, and environmental management. Key areas include nutrient cycling in agricultural systems, runoff and erosion mitigation, and the environmental impacts of farming practices. She has contributed to studies on sugarcane, cotton, and grazing systems, as well as mine rehabilitation and smallholder irrigation strategies in Southeast Asia. Her work integrates field experiments, hydrological modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges in sustainable agriculture. Her research spans topics such as phosphorus and nitrogen dynamics, water quality protection, and the design of sustainable land management practices. Recent studies include optimizing fertilizer application in sugarcane, evaluating irrigation strategies in tropical regions, and assessing soil recovery in post-mining landscapes. She has supervised doctoral research on cover crops and soil biology interactions. Alice has published widely in journals like Soil and Tillage Research , Environmental Science and Policy , and Animal Production Science . Her work emphasizes practical solutions for agricultural sustainability, including precision farming techniques and policy-relevant catchment management strategies.