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Dave SkingsleyView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Invertebrate Ecology
• FTIR Spectroscopy
• Biomolecular Analysis
• +5 more

Dr Dave Skingsley is a Senior Lecturer in Biology at Staffordshire University, part of the Health, Education, Policing and Sciences School. He holds a D.Phil. in Neurophysiology from the University of Sussex and has extensive post-doctoral research experience in neuropharmacology and insect vision. His research focuses on FTIR spectroscopy of biological mixtures, invertebrate ecology, and pedagogical innovations in higher education. He is an active member of the Royal Entomological Society and the Higher Education Academy, with roles as Academic Link Tutor and final year project coordinator. Education: BSc (Hons) Human Physiology, Leeds University (1986) D.Phil. Neurophysiology, University of Sussex (1990) Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (2014) Research interests span comparative analysis of biomolecules, inclusive teaching strategies, and invertebrate conservation. He collaborates internationally on projects involving molluscan mucus and human plasma studies. His work integrates field biology with advanced spectroscopic techniques. He is also engaged in media outreach as @bugbotherer on social platforms. Awards include Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 for Facilities and Social Inclusion, and Research Excellence Framework 2021 recognition for 'World Leading' research. His teaching contributions include developing Forensic Biology and Neuropharmacology programs, along with disability awareness training across all university staff levels. Grants and enterprise activities involve collaborations with the MoD and industry on invertebrate-related projects. He serves as an external examiner for biology courses and maintains an active ResearchGate profile.

Mascha BischoffView profile

Researcher

• Pollination Ecology
• Floral Biology
• Chemical Ecology
• +5 more

Mascha Bischoff is a Molecular Plant Ecologist affiliated with the Environmental Research Institute at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Her research focuses on pollination ecology, chemical ecology, and evolutionary biology, with an emphasis on plant-pollinator interactions, phytoplasma effects on plant traits, and biodiversity conservation. She has contributed to understanding how anthropogenic pollutants impact olfactory communication between plants and pollinators, and her work addresses sustainable biomass utilization in climate change mitigation. Her research interests include: Pollination Ecology, Floral Biology, Phytoplasma Pathology, Biodiversity Assessments, and Insect Pest Management. Recent studies include investigating hybrid zone dynamics in plants and evaluating the ecological consequences of biomass extraction on forest carbon stocks. Contributed to 15+ peer-reviewed articles since 2010, with notable work in American Journal of Botany , Functional Ecology , and Sustainability . Collaborated internationally on projects spanning plant-microbe interactions, climate policy, and island plant ecology. Recipient of grants supporting fieldwork in diverse ecosystems, including Macquarie Island and hybrid zones in North America. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action (SDG13) and life on land (SDG15).

Cinzia Margherita BerteaView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Physiology
• Plant Stress Responses
• Secondary Metabolism
• +7 more

Cinzia Margherita Bertea is an Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology at the University of Turin, specializing in plant physiology (SSD: BIO/04). Her research focuses on plant responses to environmental stresses and secondary metabolism, with particular expertise in terpenoid and phenolic compound biosynthetic pathways. Dr. Bertea's research interests encompass: Physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of plant responses to abiotic stress (UV-radiation, pollution, mechanical damage) Plant responses to biotic stress (pathogen and herbivore attacks, allelopathy) Secondary metabolism with specific focus on terpenoid and phenolic compound biosynthetic pathways Chemical ecology of plant-insect interactions Development and application of biostimulants for enhancing plant stress tolerance Analysis of her recent publication record reveals a strong emphasis on biostimulants and their role in mitigating plant stress responses. Her work consistently examines how various biostimulant formulations (seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, yeast extracts, and betalain degradation products) can enhance plant tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity stress. She employs molecular, biochemical, and omics approaches to understand the mechanisms behind these protective effects, with particular attention to reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, antioxidant systems, and phytohormone homeostasis. Dr. Bertea is actively involved in multiple academic committees at the University of Turin, including the Master's Degree Council in Plant Biotechnology, the Departmental Didactic Commission, and the International Relations Commission. She teaches several courses related to plant biology, secondary metabolites, and food chemistry across multiple degree programs including Biological Sciences, Plant Biotechnology, and Food and Human Nutrition Sciences. Her laboratory work focuses on chemical ecology, with particular emphasis on plant stress physiology and the biochemical pathways involved in plant defense mechanisms. She collaborates extensively with researchers across various disciplines, as evidenced by her diverse publication record spanning plant science, food science, and biomedical applications of plant compounds.

Laura BeloffView profile

Associate Professor

• Biological Art
• Experimental Art
• Art and Technology
• +4 more

Laura Beloff is an Associate Professor at Aalto University's Department of Art and Media within the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Her artistic practice and research investigate the convergence of biological and technological systems, with particular focus on human enhancement, environmental technologies, and sustainability. With a career spanning over 35 years, she has exhibited widely in international museums and galleries while maintaining an active academic profile through teaching, doctoral supervision, research projects, and conference organization. Her education includes: Doctoral degree from University of Plymouth (2012) Master's degree from California Institute of the Arts (1998) Master's degree from Helsinki University of Arts and Design (1995) Beloff's research explores hybrid ecologies where biological and technological elements merge, examining how technological frameworks reshape human relationships with nature. Her work spans wearable technology, bio-art, algorithmic systems, and sustainable art practices. Projects like the R-Bus investigate algorithmic narratives in hybrid environments, while Gateau Vivant explores bacterial structural color. Her artistic research serves as critical inquiry into contemporary techno-scientific developments and their societal implications. Publications consistently examine the intersection of art, science, and technology, with recurring themes of sustainability, biological systems, and material experimentation. Recent works focus on reducing art's environmental footprint through alternative presentation formats and examining technological mediation of ecological systems. Articles employ both theoretical analysis and practical experimentation to question concepts of nature, agency, and human-nonhuman relationships. Beloff has led several significant research projects including ABRA (Ars Bioarctica), Hybrid Lab Network, and Optics and Nanosciences. She has supervised doctoral students, organized international conferences like Politics of Machines, and hosted academic visitors at Aalto University. Her interdisciplinary work engages teams across art, physics, material science, and biology to develop innovative artistic approaches to contemporary challenges.

• Fungal Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genomics
• +5 more

Ben Auxier, MSc, is an Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Genetics within Wageningen University . His research focuses on fungal genetics, genomics, and evolutionary biology. Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Affiliated with PE&RC Graduate School and Department of Plant Sciences Research Interests : Ben Auxier's work explores the genetic mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of fungal organisms. His studies include topics such as genetic recombination, fungal pathogenesis, and symbiotic relationships with insects and plant hosts. His research spans mycology, microbial ecology, and population genetics. Article Trends : Ben has published extensively on fungal genetics and related ecological systems, including the genomic epidemiology of drug-resistant fungi, symbiotic relationships in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and experimental studies on fungal population dynamics. Labs and Teams : Ben is affiliated with the Laboratory of Genetics at Wageningen University, which is part of the PE&RC Graduate School. His research involves collaboration with various academic institutions and researchers globally.

Godfray Hugh Charles JonathanView profile

Professor

• Population ecology
• Community ecology
• Evolutionary biology
• +3 more

Professor Godfray Hugh Charles Jonathan serves as the Hope Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford. His distinguished academic career spans over three decades with significant leadership roles including Director of the NERC Centre for Population Biology (1999-2006) and Head of the Division of Biology (2004-2006) at Imperial College London. He has established himself as a leading figure in ecological and evolutionary sciences with substantial contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of his field. Research Expertise: Population and community ecology with emphasis on host-parasitoid systems Evolutionary biology of insect systems Entomology with focus on aphids, Drosophila, and vector insects Biodiversity informatics and taxonomic infrastructure Food security policy and sustainable agricultural systems Professor Godfray's scholarly work demonstrates a remarkable evolution from fundamental ecological research toward addressing pressing global challenges. His early career focused on theoretical aspects of parasitoid-host interactions, documented in his influential 1994 book "Parasitoids: Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology." In recent years, his research has increasingly addressed food security challenges and vector-borne disease control, reflecting his commitment to applying ecological principles to real-world problems. His work on Wolbachia-based vector control strategies represents a significant contribution to malaria prevention efforts. Major Recognition: Elected Fellow of the Royal Society (2001) Awarded CBE in the New Year's Honours (2011) Recipient of the prestigious Linnean Medal (2011) President of the British Ecological Society (2009-2011) Foreign Member of the American Academy of Arts and Science (2009) Professor Godfray has played a pivotal role in science policy, chairing the Foresight Future of Food & Farming Project (2008-2010) and contributing to numerous government advisory committees. His research has secured substantial funding from major research councils and has directly informed policy decisions related to biodiversity conservation, food security, and vector control strategies. His leadership extends to editorial roles in prominent scientific journals and service on international scientific boards.

Lena SchmidtView profile

Research Fellow

• Pollination Ecology
• Agroecology
• Habitat Management
• +3 more

Dr. Lena Schmidt is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England. Her work focuses on pollination ecology, particularly crop pollination by wild and managed insects in agroecosystems. PhD from Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University MSc from University of Hohenheim BSc from University of Bremen Her research examines how pollinators respond to resource availability and management practices in disturbed and transformed landscapes. She emphasizes conservation strategies under global change to promote sustainable horticultural systems through floral and non-floral resource supplementation. Recent publications highlight her contributions to diptera pollination efficiency, oviposition habitat provisioning, and climate change impacts on pollinator-plant interactions. Key subfields include pollination services, agroecosystem design, and climate adaptation strategies. The Bee Course Tuition Fee Waiver (2024) 4th Australian Bee Congress Travel Grant (2022) AgriFutures Australia Honey Bee Small Grants Research (2020) E.A. Southee Scholarship (2019) Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Award (2018) In the Rader Community Ecology Lab, Lena collaborates on projects related to pollinator behavior, habitat management, and sustainable agricultural practices. She actively engages in outreach via Twitter @LenaASchmidt.

Deidra JacobsenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• Plant Defense Strategies
• +4 more

Deidra Jacobsen is an Assistant Professor and Director of The Conservatory within the Biological Sciences department at Miami University. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Indiana University (2016) and a B.S. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2009). Her research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly how plant-insect interactions influence plant defensive strategies, insect behavior, and biodiversity. Current projects investigate abiotic factors' effects on floral morphology and plant-insect interactions in threatened species. Her research addresses two key questions: 1) How herbivory and pollination pressures shape plant strategies across scales, and 2) How insect host choice and toxin responses drive plant defense evolution. Methods include greenhouse experiments, field trials, and behavioral assays. Recent publications explore herbivory resistance, pollinator behavior, and parasitoid pressures. She teaches courses like BIO 131 (Plants, Humanity, & Environment) and BIO 314 (Plant Diversity). No scientific awards are listed. Her lab's future work emphasizes conservation-related studies in endemic plant species. While no advisees are noted, her research actively engages ecological and evolutionary themes.

Harkirat KaurView profile

Researcher

• Agronomy
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Plant Pathology
• +3 more

Harkirat Kaur is a researcher at the Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Her work focuses on economically and environmentally sustainable corn production while preserving ecological integrity. Research Interests : Dr. Kaur investigates agronomic challenges such as weather-related stressors, secondary pest resurgence, and non-native species invasions. Her studies emphasize plant-pathogen interactions, mycotoxin management, and forage quality optimization. Publication Trends : Recent articles highlight corn silage vulnerabilities to tar spot, mycotoxins, and ear rots, alongside strategies involving cover crops, planting time adjustments, and integrated pest management.

Michelle FlennikenView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Genetics
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +5 more

Michelle Flenniken is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology at Montana State University's College of Agriculture and a core faculty member of the Pollinator Health Center. Her research program integrates molecular virology, genetics, and host-pathogen dynamics with a primary focus on honey bee health and secondary work on potato-virus interactions. Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Montana State University (2006) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Microbiology & Immunology, University of California San Francisco (2012) B.S. in Biology (Chemistry minor), University of Iowa (1998) Her research investigates five interconnected domains: (1) RNA-triggered antiviral defense mechanisms in honey bees, (2) pathogen monitoring and discovery related to colony collapse disorder, (3) pathogenesis of Lake Sinai viruses, (4) microbiome-metabolome-transcriptome influences on immune responses, and (5) sublethal effects of agrochemicals on pollinator health. Collaborative work with Dr. Nina Zidack explores Potato virus Y resistance mechanisms in potato cultivars, bridging apicultural and agricultural pathology. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals dominant research trajectories in honey bee antiviral immunity, with growing emphasis on asymptomatic infections, environmental stressors, and cross-species viral transmission. Key methodological approaches include transcriptomics, metatranscriptomics, and in vitro cell culture models, while plant virology contributions focus on potato cultivar resistance and detection assays. Scientific Awards: State of the Art Speaker, American Society of Virology (2015) Dr. Flenniken actively mentors 4 current graduate students and has supervised 7 PhD/Masters graduates since 2016. Her lab secures substantial funding through competitive grants including NSF CAREER awards, Binational Science Foundation projects, and Montana Department of Agriculture initiatives targeting honey bee health and potato virus diagnostics. Current grants examine virus-nutrition interactions, antiviral agent efficacy, and PVY detection advancements. The Flenniken Lab operates from the Plant Biosciences Building and maintains MSU's Pollinator Garden and Honey Bee Research Site, established in 2012. Her team collaborates with USDA-ARS, international researchers, and beekeeping associations while contributing to national virology education standards through editorial roles at 'Viruses' and 'Apidologie'.

Coralie BertheauView profile

Assistant Professor

• Entomology
• Molecular Ecology
• Forest Biology
• +6 more

Coralie Bertheau is an Assistant Professor at the University of Franche-Comté, affiliated with the UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement research unit in Montbéliard, France. She specializes in entomology and molecular ecology, focusing on adaptive mechanisms of phytophagous insect pests, particularly bark beetles, to environmental changes. Her research examines genetic, physiological, and behavioral responses to ecological factors and assesses related ecological/economic risks for forest management solutions. Her primary research interests include forest biology, molecular ecology, biodiversity conservation, plant-insect interactions, insect pest adaptation, phytoremediation techniques, and impacts of environmental stressors on insect populations. She collaborates across disciplines including eco-physiology, microbiology, and ecotoxicology. Bertheau's publications demonstrate extensive research in molecular ecology of forest insects, phytoremediation of contaminated sites, and insect adaptation to environmental stressors. Recurring themes include bark beetle phylogeography, mercury biogeochemistry in terrestrial ecosystems, microbiome interactions in polluted soils, and sustainable land management strategies. Her work frequently employs genetic analyses, field experiments, and interdisciplinary approaches. Research Projects: TYPOPAST (2023-2027): Role of Ips typographus outbreaks in Holocene forest dynamics EDAPHOS (2023-2027): Nature-based depollution methods for contaminated soils DURBAN (2020-2023): Sustainable grass strip management for vole control ECOPOLIS (2020-2024): Phytomanagement of urban wastelands She participates in the Observatoire des forêts comtoises (Sentinel Forest Observatory) and collaborates with research groups DYNABIO, PEA²t, and POLLUTION.

Ganpati JagdaleView profile

Researcher

• Plant Pathology
• Nematology
• Agricultural Science
• +3 more

Ganpati Jagdale is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia, affiliated with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). He leads the Nematology Diagnostic Laboratory, providing critical services for identifying plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes to support research and extension programs across Georgia's agricultural industries. His primary research focuses on managing plant-parasitic nematodes affecting blueberry and peach crops, emphasizing biological control agents, plant-based nematicides, and nematode-suppressive soil factors. Education: Ph.D. in Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland (1997) M.Sc. in Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland (1993) M.Sc. in Agriculture Entomology, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University (1979) B.Sc. in Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur (1977) Research Interests: Dr. Jagdale’s work bridges diagnostics and applied research, addressing nematode-related challenges in crops like blueberries, peaches, pecans, and turfgrass. He investigates integrated strategies combining biological, cultural, and chemical methods, with recent studies on anaerobic soil disinfestation and cover crops for disease control. His lab also collaborates with the Georgia Department of Agriculture on regulatory issues related to nematode pests. Awards: Student Career Success Influencer Award (2024) Grants & Funding: Dr. Jagdale has secured funding from commodity commissions (e.g., Georgia Pecan, Cotton, and Blueberry Commissions) and agencies like USDA NIFA. Projects include evaluating nematicides, cover crops, and molecular diagnostics for pest management. Labs & Teams: He oversees the Nematology Diagnostic Laboratory, certified by APHIS, which processes over 6,000 annual samples. The lab collaborates with researchers and extension personnel to address nematode threats in diverse agricultural systems.

Gustavo MacintoshView profile

Professor

• Plant-pest interactions
• Ribonuclease biology
• Plant defense mechanisms
• +3 more

Dr. Gustavo Macintosh is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Iowa State University (ISU), where he also serves as an Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on plant defense mechanisms against insects, particularly soybean aphids, and the role of ribonucleases in plant immunity. He leads the MacIntosh Lab, which investigates molecular pathways in plant-insect interactions and autophagy-related processes. Education: Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry, University of Buenos Aires (1997) Postdoctoral Fellow, Michigan State University (1998–2001) Research Interests: Dr. Macintosh’s work spans plant stress responses, functional genomics of nucleases, and autophagy. His lab explores transcriptional and metabolic changes in soybean under aphid attack, novel signaling pathways in defense, and the biological roles of secreted ribonucleases. Recent projects include lysosomal pH dynamics in Drosophila and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in plant sciences. Publications Highlight: Recent work includes strategic plans for soybean genomics research, studies on lysosomal function, and EDI reports. His articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to plant science challenges. Scientific Recognition: Awards include the LAS Dean’s Professorship and leadership roles such as ASPB President-elect (2021) and Board Member (2020). Advising & Grants: He mentors students like Martha Natukunda (thesis on aphid-soybean interactions) and advocates for inclusive outreach. His lab collaborates on grants addressing plant pest resistance and EDI in academia. Labs & Teams: The MacIntosh Lab at ISU fosters collaboration across molecular biology, genetics, and plant pathology, with ongoing projects in autophagy and pest management.

Amy YoungsView profile

Associate Professor

• Eco Art
• Interactive Sculpture
• Digital Media
• +5 more

Amy Youngs is an Associate Professor at Ohio State University, specializing in eco art, interactive sculpture, and digital media. Her work explores interdependencies between technology, plants, and animals, often creating installations that amplify non-human perspectives. Notable exhibitions include Te Papa Museum (New Zealand), Trondheim Electronic Arts Centre (Norway), and the Peabody Essex Museum (USA). She has received the Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Grant and contributed to interdisciplinary publications like Leonardo and Robots and Art. Education: MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, BA from San Francisco State University. Research focuses on entanglements with non-human entities, constructing ecosystems, and machine perspectives. Key themes include environmental collapse aesthetics, interspecies communication, and bio-art. Her work has been featured in augmented reality tours, insect museums, and public parks, emphasizing participatory engagement with ecological issues. Lectures include the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Walker Art Center. Awards and grants highlight her contributions to socially conscious art and technology intersections. Current projects explore curatorial care in biomedical art, hybrid biological-digital systems, and trans-species interfaces. She advocates for art as a medium to address climate change, colonialism, and social justice through innovative material practices and community collaborations.

• Developmental Biology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Yaoyu Jiao is a Research Fellow in the Department of Genetics at Yale University's School of Medicine. Their research focuses on developmental biology, genetics, and molecular mechanisms in insects, particularly exploring epigenetic regulation, RNA modifications, and gene expression during metamorphosis. Key areas include histone methylation, mitochondrial dysfunction in Tribolium development, and CRISPR-Cas9 applications in mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti. Research Interests : Dr. Jiao's work investigates insect development through studies on epigenetic factors, RNA biology, and genetic engineering. Notable topics include the role of BR-C and E93 genes in metamorphosis, the creation of mosquito cell atlases, and the molecular basis of pest resistance mechanisms. Publications : Recent work highlights contributions to understanding insect epigenetics, RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms, and applied research in pest control. Key studies include analyses of m6A RNA methylation in Tribolium and the mode of action of Methoprene in mosquitoes. Awards : No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Labs & Collaborations : Associated with the Yale School of Medicine's Genetics Department, collaborating on projects related to insect development, molecular genetics, and biotechnological applications.