Find Academic Supervisors

Adrianna SzczepaniecView profile

Associate Professor

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +6 more

Adrianna Szczepaniec is an Associate Professor of Horticultural Entomology at Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Biology. Her research focuses on sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for crops like industrial hemp, quinoa, and chili peppers. She leads the Szczepaniec Lab, which investigates plant-insect interactions to enhance crop resistance mechanisms. Current projects include managing pests of emerging crops such as hemp russet mites and the stem-boring fly Amauromyza karli in quinoa. The lab emphasizes applying molecular and field-based approaches to develop ecologically sound pest control methods. Her academic contributions span over 50 publications, with recent work highlighting indirect plant defenses, aphid population dynamics, and biological control agents. She supervises a dynamic team of graduate and undergraduate students involved in projects like alfalfa mosaic virus management in chili peppers and endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents. Notable collaborations include developing IPM programs for hemp and quinoa pests, addressing climate-resilient crop systems in Colorado's urban forests. Education: Doctorate in Entomology (not explicitly stated in provided texts). Labs/Teams: Szczepaniec Lab, Colorado Center for Sustainable Pest Management. Awards: Lab members have received awards including the William M. Brown Professional Development Award and ESA Student Competitions. Grants: Collaborative projects funded by agricultural research initiatives (specific grants not listed). Her work bridges basic and applied research, with a focus on translating plant defense mechanisms into practical pest management solutions. Contributions extend to training future scientists through mentoring and outreach, including the Apply Now program for hands-on agricultural education.

Donald DrakeView profile

Professor

• Plant Ecology
• Reproductive Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Donald Drake is a Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, School of Life Sciences, and currently serves as Interim Director of Lyon Arboretum. His research focuses on plant ecology, particularly reproductive ecology and its implications for conservation. Key interests include seed dispersal dynamics, impacts of invasive species on plant populations, and restoration ecology. Recent work examines how changing animal communities affect plant recruitment in Hawaiian ecosystems. Dr. Drake’s research spans decades, with studies on seed predation by invasive rodents, pollination biology of native Hawaiian plants, and the effects of climate change on alpine plant communities. His interdisciplinary approach integrates field observations, experimental studies, and conservation applications. The Lyon Arboretum serves as a key field site for his work on Hawaiian flora and ecosystem dynamics. Notable themes in his publications include invasive species impacts, seed dispersal networks, and climate change implications for conservation strategies. He emphasizes the role of ecological interactions in shaping community resilience and restoration potential. While his research is highly collaborative, no specific grants or funding sources are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Dr. Drake currently cannot accept new graduate students but has advised many researchers in the past, contributing to conservation and ecological understanding in island ecosystems.

Matthew HovlandView profile

Lecturer

• Plant Ecology
• Rangeland Management
• Mycorrhizal Fungi
• +4 more

Matthew Hovland is a Lecturer at Oregon State University in the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences. His work focuses on plant-soil-microbe interactions in rangeland ecosystems. University: Oregon State University Department: Animal and Rangeland Sciences Research Interests: Hovland investigates the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in restoring sagebrush steppe ecosystems, plant adaptations to drought, and interactions between vegetation and climate. His studies span topics like biochar applications, competition dynamics, and wetland conservation. Publications: His recent work explores AMF-mediated resilience in rangelands, drought impacts on Artemisia species, and wetland preservation strategies. He collaborates on sage-grouse habitat and pollinator research. Contact: Email: matthew.hovland@oregonstate.edu

Karla AddessoView profile

Research Professor

• Integrated Pest Management
• Insect Chemical Ecology
• Insect Behavior
• +2 more

Karla Addesso is a Research Professor and Director of the Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center at Tennessee State University's College of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Her work focuses on sustainable pest management solutions for Tennessee's woody ornamental nursery industry. B.S. in Biology, The College of New Jersey, 2002 Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Florida, 2007 Postdoctoral Research Entomologist, USDA-ARS, 2010-2012 Research interests include: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Insect Chemical Ecology and Behavior Plant-Insect Interactions Behaviorally-Based Pest Control Techniques Management of pests in nursery production systems Her recent publications (2024-2022) highlight advancements in: Borer beetle resistance in maple species Herbicide-induced stress effects on pest oviposition Parasitoid discovery for exotic scale control Cover crop applications for soilborne disease suppression Trap design optimization for Coleopteran pests Fire ant venom applications in pathogen control Grants exceeding $7.7 million from USDA-NIFA, Southern SARE, and industry collaborations fund her research. The Addesso Lab maintains a dedicated laboratory website detailing ongoing projects and pest management resources.

Megan E. KobielaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecotoxicology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• +3 more

Megan E. Kobiela is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Sweet Briar College, located in Guion A104. She holds a B.S. from the University of Virginia, an M.S. from the College of William & Mary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on how animals navigate toxic environments, particularly investigating evolutionary and behavioral responses to plant defenses, heavy metals, pesticides, and anthropogenic toxins using butterflies as model organisms. She teaches courses including BIOL 111 (Introduction to Organisms), BIOL 210 (Evolution), BIOL 324 (Ecology), BIOL 337 (Ornithology), and a core course on data-driven decision-making (CORE 170). Her work emphasizes ecological adaptation, toxin tolerance mechanisms, and conservation implications of environmental pollutants. Publications highlight her exploration of neonicotinoid pesticide tolerance in butterflies, zinc toxicity effects, and transgenerational responses to nickel exposure. Recent studies also examine road salt impacts on monarch butterflies and sodium-driven ecological changes. Her research bridges evolutionary biology, ecotoxicology, and conservation, often involving undergraduate co-authors. Professional affiliations include the Society for the Study of Evolution, Animal Behavior Society, and the American Society of Naturalists. Though no specific grants or awards are listed, her work reflects sustained contributions to understanding organismal resilience in toxic environments.

• Nutrient Ecology of Beech and Beech Bark Disease
• Forest Health and Nutrition
• Forest Fertilization
• +2 more

Mariann Johnston is a Professor and Director of the Ranger School at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), based at the Wanakena Campus. She leads the Department of Sustainable Resources Management and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives like the Vita Beech Working Group and the Intermountain Forest Tree Nutrition Cooperative. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Forest Nutrition from the University of Idaho (2003). Her research focuses on nutrient ecology, forest health, and sustainable management practices. Key areas include understanding beech bark disease, optimizing forest fertilization, and analyzing forest soils and their ecological impacts. She teaches courses such as Forest Ecology, Wildland Firefighting, and Natural Resources Management, emphasizing practical and theoretical knowledge. Her publications highlight themes like tree pathology, soil science, and forest management strategies, reflecting a blend of field observations and applied research. Awards include the SUNY-ESF Special Recognition Award and the Inland Empire SAF Communicator of the Year. She actively serves in professional societies like the Society of American Foresters (since 1986) and the Ecological Society of America (since 2009). Johnston’s professional service spans roles such as Chair of the New York Society of American Foresters (2013–2014) and membership in multiple scientific and community organizations, including town planning commissions and educational boards.

Alemu Gonsamo GosaView profile

Associate Professor

• Remote Sensing
• Climate Change Impacts
• Carbon Cycle Modeling
• +3 more

Dr. Alemu Gonsamo Gosa is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing of Terrestrial Ecosystems at McMaster University's School of Geography & Earth Sciences. His research program focuses on advanced remote sensing techniques to study vegetation dynamics, carbon cycling, and climate change impacts across scales from leaf-level to global systems. Educational background includes a B.Sc. from Debub University, M.Sc. from Wageningen University, and Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki. Research integrates ground measurements, satellite data, and ecosystem modeling to address: Plant structural and photosynthetic traits quantification Land surface phenology and carbon uptake dynamics Terrestrial primary productivity assessment Global change impacts on ecosystem functioning Carbon cycle modeling and climate feedbacks Publications demonstrate consistent focus on developing novel remote sensing methodologies, with recent work emphasizing machine learning applications, large-scale carbon mapping, and climate-ecosystem interactions. The 15 most recent articles show strong trends in: forest biomass estimation, peatland carbon storage, climate-vegetation interactions, and sustainable land management solutions. Honors include the prestigious Canada Research Chair position recognizing groundbreaking work in terrestrial ecosystem monitoring. Research utilizes extensive field networks including eddy covariance towers and collaborates with global modeling initiatives. Leads the Remote Sensing of Terrestrial Ecosystems laboratory, which develops cutting-edge methods using multi-sensor approaches (satellite, airborne, ground-based) and maintains international partnerships for large-scale ecosystem monitoring.

Jim RoweView profile

Research Fellow

• Plant Stress Responses
• Plant Hormone Biology
• Abscisic Acid (ABA) Dynamics
• +5 more

Dr Jim Rowe is a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences. His work focuses on plant stress responses, particularly drought tolerance mechanisms mediated by abscisic acid (ABA). He developed the ABACUS2 biosensor to visualize ABA dynamics in living plants, revealing context-dependent hormone patterns critical for water conservation. Rowe's research integrates synthetic biology, imaging tools, and systems biology to engineer stress-resilient crops. PhD: Durham University (2011-2015) Postdoctoral research: Stuart Casson Lab (2016-2017), Alexander Jones Lab (2017-2024) Research interests include ABA signaling pathways, plant water relations, and crop resilience to 'flash droughts'. His group uses novel technologies like FRET-based biosensors and image analysis tools (FRETENATOR) to study hormone dynamics. Current projects aim to link ABA patterns to functional outcomes in root and leaf physiology. Grants: £1.52m Royal Society Fellowship (2024-2032) Key awards: Royal Society University Research Fellowship Publications span plant physiology, biosensor development, and systems biology, with notable contributions to understanding ABA's role in drought resistance and hormone crosstalk. Lab activities include 3D-printed hardware design for experimental setups and collaborations on microcontroller-based instrumentation.

Julia BallyView profile

Research Fellow

• Plant Biotechnology
• Genetic Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Julia Bally is a Research Fellow in QUT's Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, affiliated with the Faculty of Science's School of Biology & Environmental Science. She holds a PhD in Biological Science from Université Lille 1 (2008) and completed postdoctoral work at Bayer CropScience and the University of Sydney under an ARC Super Science Fellowship. Her research focuses on plant biotechnology, particularly using Nicotiana benthamiana as a model to develop gene expression systems for industrial applications, including RNAi-based pest control and recombinant protein production. Collaborations include work with Corteva Agriscience on trans-kingdom RNAi for agricultural pest management. Education: PhD in Biological Science, Université Lille 1 - Science and Technology (2008) Postdoctoral training at Bayer CropScience (rhizobium-legume symbiosis, nitrogen fixation) ARC Super Science Fellowship at University of Sydney (2011–2014) Research Interests: Dr. Bally's work spans plant genetic engineering, molecular biology, and sustainable agriculture. Key areas include: Optimizing chloroplast-based protein expression systems Developing RNAi strategies for pest resistance Investigating drought tolerance mechanisms in plants Leveraging nanotechnology for biopesticide delivery Labs/Teams: She leads the Genetics and Molecular Biology program within the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, collaborating with industry partners to translate research into real-world agricultural solutions.

• Gene Silencing
• RNAi
• Genomics
• +5 more

Professor Peter Waterhouse is a leading molecular geneticist at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), holding dual roles as Professor of Molecular Genetics and Australian Laureate Fellow. He is affiliated with QUT’s Faculty of Science (School of Biology & Environmental Science) and serves as Program Leader at the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture. A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science (2007), his work spans RNA interference (RNAi), plant genomics, and epigenetics. Education: BSc (Hons) in Plant Biology from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (1977), PhD in Plant Virology from the University of Dundee (1981). Career highlights include leadership roles at CSIRO Plant Industry, ARC Federation Fellowships (2008–2013), and honorary professorships at the University of Sydney. He has pioneered RNAi research with over 150 peer-reviewed publications (>20,000 citations, h-index >65). Research focuses on gene silencing mechanisms, viral biology, and plant biotechnology. Notable contributions include patents on RNAi applications, recombinant antibodies, and virus-resistant plants. His work bridges fundamental science with commercialization, exemplified by collaborations with industry partners like Bayer and Cambridge Antibody Technology Ltd. Awards: Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, CSIRO Chairman’s Medal, Victor Chang Medal Patents: 11 RNAi-related patent families, recombinant antibody patents, and plant resistance patents Leadership: Scientific advisory roles for organizations including the Prime Minister’s Science Council and the Ramaciotti Centre for Gene Function Analysis His recent publications emphasize multi-omic analyses of Nicotiana benthamiana, viral resistance mechanisms, and drought response strategies in plants. Ongoing work explores terminator elements to enhance transgene expression and improve biotechnological applications.

Paul HaynesView profile

Professor

• Proteomics
• Bioarchaeology
• Plant Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Paul Haynes is a Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, specializing in plant and environmental proteomics with an active program in bioarchaeological proteomics. He holds roles including President of the Asia Oceania Agricultural Proteomics Organisation and editorial board memberships in Proteomics and Frontiers in Plant Proteomics. His research focuses on molecular-level responses of organisms to external pressures, integrating chemical and molecular techniques. He has secured over $13.5M in research grants, including ARC Discovery and Training Centre projects. His teaching includes postgraduate units in Protein Discovery and Proteomics Technologies, alongside courses in archaeological methods. As a dedicated supervisor, he has guided 27 PhD students to completion and currently oversees five full-time PhD candidates. He received the 2017 Macquarie University Excellence in Higher Degree Research Supervision Award. Haynes' research group explores abiotic stress responses in rice, proteomic changes in Alpine vegetation, and lead exposure effects in sparrows. Collaborations span bioarchaeology, synthetic biology, and clinical proteomics. His work has led to 192 peer-reviewed papers, 4 patents, and over 14,000 citations, with an H-index of 59. Education: PhD in Chemistry (Macquarie University, 1994), postdoctoral fellowships at Rockefeller University and University of Washington Affiliations: ARC College of Experts (2019–2022), American Society for Mass Spectrometry since 1999 Research Highlights: Bioarchaeological studies using molecular techniques to uncover historical insights Development of proteomic platforms for inner ear disease mechanisms Stress-resilient crop research through proteomic analysis of rice varieties Awards: 2017 Excellence in Higher Degree Research Supervision Award Grants & Funding: ARC grants totaling $12.5M and other grants ($1M) Current projects: FAAB Training Centre, Alpine vegetation impact assessment

Adrienne BrundageView profile

Academic

• Forensic Entomology
• Wildlife Forensic Entomology
• Entomology
• +4 more

Adrienne Brundage is an Instructional Associate Professor and Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Education in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University. She also serves as Director of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, leading academic and outreach initiatives in forensic entomology. Her professional affiliations include membership in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Wildlife Forensics Consensus Body, which develops standards for wildlife-related forensic cases. Brundage holds a B.S. in Plant Protection Sciences from California Polytechnic State University, an M.S. in Organismal Biology from San Jose State University, and a Ph.D. in Entomology from Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on forensic entomology applications, including carrion colonization by Dipteran species and interactions between insect larvae and bacteria. She has consulted on criminal and animal cruelty cases for law enforcement agencies, the FBI, NCIS, and the ASPCA, applying her expertise in forensic science and wildlife forensics. Her teaching spans multiple institutions, including Texas A&M University, the University of Florida, and Blinn College, where she emphasizes entomology and forensic science education. She is a prolific speaker, delivering training seminars and public talks on forensic entomology across North America. Her recent publications highlight innovative approaches in forensic science, AI detection, and ecological studies involving insects. Brundage’s work bridges academic research and practical application, with a focus on advancing forensic methodologies and promoting diversity in STEM fields. Her contributions to standards development in wildlife forensics and her dedication to educational outreach reflect her commitment to both science and public service.

Matthias ErbView profile

Professor

• Plant Defense Mechanisms
• Ecological Interactions
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Matthias Erb is the Head of the Biotic Interactions Section and co-director at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern. His research focuses on plant defense mechanisms, plant-microbe interactions, and ecological interactions between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Key areas include plant volatile signaling, biocontrol strategies using entomopathogenic nematodes, and the role of specialized metabolites in shaping rhizosphere microbiota. Research Themes: Plant defense against herbivores, microbial symbiosis, plant communication via volatiles, and agricultural applications of ecological strategies. Key Projects: Engineering bacterial symbionts for pest control, understanding plant-soil feedback mechanisms, and elucidating the metabolic basis of plant resistance. His work bridges fundamental ecology with applied agronomy, addressing challenges in sustainable crop protection and soil health. Recent studies highlight the importance of plant secondary metabolites in mediating interactions across trophic levels.

Charles HigginsView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Bio-inspired Engineering
• Neural Systems Modeling
• +3 more

Charles Higgins is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, specializing in computational neuroscience and bio-inspired engineering. His research integrates mathematical modeling of neural systems with engineering applications, bridging neurobiology and robotics. The Higgins Laboratory collaborates closely with neurobiology labs to study insect sensory systems and translate findings into efficient computational and VLSI designs for visual navigation and motion processing. Key projects include biomimetic visual motion sensors, small-target tracking algorithms, and neuromorphic architectures for autonomous systems. Research interests focus on understanding biological neural architectures—particularly in insects—and applying these insights to create superior engineering solutions. Notable contributions include models of elementary motion detection in flies, VLSI implementations of visual motion algorithms, and systems for obstacle avoidance in robotics. His work emphasizes parallel, continuous-time computing inspired by neuronal circuitry. Publications highlight advancements in bio-inspired visual processing, including motion detection modules for dragonfly-inspired robots and algorithms for image speed estimation. Higgins' engineering innovations often aim to mimic natural systems' efficiency and robustness, with applications in both basic science and applied robotics. Labs and collaborations involve cross-disciplinary teams focused on integrating biological principles with cutting-edge technology. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects sustained contributions to neuromorphic engineering and computational neuroscience.

• Weed Ecology
• Population Biology
• Conservation Biological Control
• +3 more

Christian Willenborg is the Department Head of Plant Sciences and a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. He holds an adjunct position at the University of Alberta's Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Sciences. His research focuses on weed ecology, population biology, and conservation biological control in agroecosystems, particularly seedbank dynamics, seed predation by carabid beetles, and ecosystem service contributions of weeds. He teaches courses like PLSC 260 (Principles of Plant Protection) and PLSC 340 (Weed Biology and Ecology). Dr. Willenborg's education includes a B.Sc. (2002), M.Sc. (2005) in Agronomy/Weed Science from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Ph.D. (2009) from the University of Manitoba (Weed Science). His work is funded by NSERC, Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, and others. Key awards include the 2013 Early Career Agronomist Award and multiple Dean’s Awards for Teaching and Research Excellence. His research integrates ecological frameworks to address long-term weed management challenges, emphasizing integrated strategies for herbicide-resistant weeds and sustainable cropping systems. He explores carabid beetle networks' impact on biocontrol, seed predator interactions, and the role of functional diversity in flax-based rotations. Recent work includes optimizing flax production, reducing pesticide reliance, and mapping glyphosate-resistant kochia populations. He advises on funding sources spanning government and industry partnerships, contributing to both academic and applied agricultural outcomes. His lab collaborates broadly to advance agroecological solutions for pests and sustainable crop systems.