Find Academic Supervisors

Shahid SiddiqueView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant-Nematode Interactions
• Agricultural Entomology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Shahid Siddique is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on understanding molecular and applied aspects of plant-parasitic nematode interactions with host plants. He aims to develop sustainable strategies to mitigate nematode-induced crop losses through genetic, biochemical, and biotechnological approaches. His lab is particularly interested in host resistance mechanisms, nematode effector proteins, and biocontrol solutions. Education: MSc, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan PhD, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria Habilitation, University of Bonn, Germany Research Interests: Siddique’s work bridges basic and applied research, including cell surface signaling in plant-parasitic nematode interactions, functional characterization of secretory proteins, molecular diagnostics for nematodes, and biocontrol strategies. Current projects explore recombination hotspots in nematode genomes, CRISPR-based resistance engineering, and redox signaling mechanisms. Teaching: General Plant Nematology (NEM100) in Spring 2020 Labs/Teams: The Siddique Lab focuses on translating molecular discoveries into practical pest management solutions. Collaborations involve genomic analysis, proteomics, and field trials to address global agricultural challenges.

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Plant Genetics
• +5 more

Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement

Massimo IorizzoView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Germplasm Improvement
• +3 more

Dr. Massimo Iorizzo is a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University, specializing in plant genetics and genomics. His research focuses on improving small fruit and vegetable crops through genetic approaches, with particular emphasis on phytochemical content and fruit quality traits. He holds a PhD and MS from the University of Naples 'Federico II' in Italy. His work integrates genomic tools, machine learning, and sensory science to enhance crop traits like texture, nutrient content, and bioactive compound accumulation. Recent projects include developing high-throughput phenotyping systems for cranberry and blueberry, mapping genes controlling carotenoid and anthocyanin pathways, and creating standardized ontologies for blueberry breeding. He collaborates on initiatives like VacciniumCAP and VacCAP to advance genetic resources for berry crops. Key contributions span improving flavor compounds in sweetpotato, understanding epigenetic stress responses, and optimizing protein-based delivery systems for plant nutrients. His research bridges basic genetics with applied breeding, aiming to create consumer- and grower-preferred varieties through interdisciplinary approaches.

Eugenio Sanchez-MoranView profile

Research Fellow

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Plant Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Eugenio Sanchez-Moran is a Reader and Research Fellow in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of chromosome condensation and DNA organization during plant meiosis. He holds a Ph.D. from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2001) and has been supported by prestigious fellowships, including a Marie-Curie Individual Fellowship (2002-2003) and BBSRC Postdoc Research Fellowships (2004-2008). His work integrates cytogenetic, proteomic, and systems biology approaches to understand how chromatin dynamics influence critical biological processes such as cell division, fertility, and genome stability. Research Interests: Chromosome structure and behavior in meiosis, DNA compaction, plant genetics, and the role of chromatin components in genome organization. His studies utilize Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system to investigate the evolutionary conservation of chromatin machinery. Awards: Marie-Curie Fellowship, BBSRC Postdoc Research Fellowship, and David Phillips Fellowship. His research is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Labs and Facilities: Collaborates with the Birmingham Advanced Light Microscopy (BALM) facility for high-resolution cytogenetic analyses. His work contributes to understanding the molecular basis of meiotic processes and their implications for agriculture and genetics.

• Heart development and regeneration
• Zebrafish genetics
• Cardiac regeneration
• +7 more

Juan-Manuel González-Rosa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Boston College, where he leads a research program focused on heart development and regeneration. He utilizes zebrafish as a model organism to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern cardiac repair, with particular interest in fibrosis, inflammation, and polyploidy. Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Postdoctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Faculty member at Boston College since June 2019 His research centers on understanding why the human heart has limited regenerative capacity compared to zebrafish, which can fully regenerate their hearts after injury. His lab investigates how polyploidization in cardiomyocytes limits regeneration and aims to identify therapeutic targets for promoting heart repair after myocardial infarction. Using genetic tools and injury models in zebrafish, his team studies cardiac and liver regeneration, extracellular matrix dynamics, and molecular pathways of tissue repair. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in regenerative biology, particularly in modeling organ injury and repair in zebrafish. Key themes include the development of cryoinjury models for heart and liver, analysis of collagen dynamics in fibrotic remodeling, and the use of genetic tools like CRISPR for targeted cardiomyocyte manipulation. These studies span developmental biology, molecular cardiology, and translational regenerative medicine. Scientific awards and recognitions include: EMBO Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship Funds for Medical Discovery Award from ECOR-MGH American Heart Association Career Development Award Dr. González-Rosa has secured competitive funding to support his research program, enabling his lab to pursue fundamental questions in cardiac regeneration. While current information does not list specific advisees, his role as a principal investigator suggests active mentorship of graduate and undergraduate researchers. His work contributes to broader efforts in regenerative medicine and has implications for treating heart disease in humans. His lab is involved in developing and applying innovative zebrafish models for organ regeneration and transplantation research, positioning his team at the intersection of developmental biology, cardiovascular science, and biomedical innovation.

• Plant Genetics
• Rust Resistance in Cereals
• Cereal Cytogenetics
• +3 more

Associate Professor Peng Zhang is affiliated with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Plant Breeding Institute at the University of Sydney. She holds memberships in the China Studies Centre and Sydney Institute of Agriculture. Her educational background includes a BSc from Wageningen Agricultural University (Netherlands), MSc in Biotechnology (Wageningen), and PhD in Genetics from Kansas State University (USA). Her research focuses on molecular cytogenetics of wheat, introgression of rust resistance genes from wild relatives, and developing durable resistant germplasm. Key research interests include cereal crop improvement, rust pathogen resistance mechanisms, and genomic tools for plant breeding. Notable awards include the 2023 Sydney Research Accelerator (SOAR) Prize. Recent grants involve rust resistance mechanisms and hybrid wheat breeding programs in collaboration with international partners. Publications highlight work on resistance gene characterization, molecular mapping, and disease management strategies. Collaborative research with institutions like Kansas State University and international bodies underscores her global impact in agricultural science.

Nicholas J. ProvartView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics / Computational Biology
• Genetics / Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Nicholas J. Provart is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto. He is a founding member of the Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (CAGEF) and a key contributor to the Bio-Analytic Resource (BAR), which provides essential bioinformatics tools for plant research. His work focuses on integrating genomic and transcriptomic data to uncover mechanisms of plant stress biology, development, and evolution. Provart earned his Ph.D. from Freie Universität Berlin (1996), and his M.Sc. and B.Sc. from the University of Toronto (1993 and 1990, respectively). Research Interests: Provart’s lab employs systems biology approaches to analyze plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, particularly using cluster analysis of gene expression data. Key areas include plant stress signaling, seed development, and the functional roles of transcription factors and cytochrome P450s. His team develops tools like the BAR platform to facilitate large-scale data integration and visualization. Recent Grant: $2.5M NSERC grant (2024) to advance plant health visualization tools. Award: Recognized with the Arabidopsis community award (2025) for decades of research and outreach. Provart also serves on the Multinational Arabidopsis Steering Committee and chairs the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program. His lab’s work spans diverse plant species, including Arabidopsis, maize, and wheat, with a focus on translational applications of genomic data.

Harvey BallardView profile

Professor

• Plant Systematics
• Phylogenetics
• Molecular Ecology
• +9 more

Harvey Ballard is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences. He serves as the Internships Coordinator, Herbarium Director, and Curator of Vascular Plants at the Floyd Bartley Herbarium. His work bridges molecular biology, taxonomy, and conservation, with strong institutional ties to national botanical networks and research centers. Research Interests: Dr. Ballard’s research focuses on plant systematics, phylogenetics, molecular ecology, and conservation genetics. His lab investigates evolutionary processes in plants, particularly in the genus Viola and the family Violaceae. Using molecular tools such as microsatellites and next-generation sequencing, his team studies hybridization, polyploidy, and breeding systems like chasmogamy and cleistogamy. His work has broad implications for understanding species formation and plant diversity. Publications & Research Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on taxonomic revisions, phylogenetic analyses, and floristic contributions. The research spans new species descriptions, generic reclassifications, and molecular phylogenies, primarily in Violaceae and related families. The integration of traditional morphology with modern genomics underscores a multidisciplinary approach to plant systematics. Scientific Service & Recognition: Adjunct Faculty, Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Science Research Associate, Missouri Botanical Garden Research Associate, Carnegie Museum Member, BRAHMS Database System International Advisory Group Editorial Board, Acta Botanica Cracoviensia Program Director, U.S. Virtual Herbarium Database Network Member, Ohio Rare Plant Technical Advisory Committee Member, Ohio Flora Committee Violaceae Working Group, Species Plantarum Programme Advising and Grants: Dr. Ballard coordinates undergraduate internships and advising in plant biology. He led a National Science Foundation grant to digitize herbarium collections across Appalachian Ohio, creating a regional databasing and imaging network. He also engages in contract research with the U.S. National Arboretum for microsatellite development in ornamental shrubs. Laboratories and Teams: His lab collaborates with Dr. Sarah Wyatt on the genetic basis of mixed breeding systems in Viola . The team employs molecular techniques including ISSRs, microsatellites, and 454 shotgun sequencing. The Floyd Bartley Herbarium, under his curation, is a hub for botanical research and education, utilizing BRAHMS software for specimen management.

Genhua NiuView profile

Professor

• Controlled Environment Agriculture
• Indoor Vertical Farming
• Plant Stress Physiology
• +3 more

Genhua Niu is a Professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas and the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on controlled environment agriculture, indoor vertical farming, and plant stress physiology. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Zhejiang University and a Ph.D. in Horticultural Engineering from Chiba University. Education: B.S. Agricultural Engineering, Zhejiang University M.S. Agricultural Engineering, Zhejiang University Ph.D. Horticultural Engineering, Chiba University Research Interests: Genhua’s work addresses sustainable crop production through advanced technologies like hydroponics, biostimulants, and vertical farming systems. She investigates how light quality, temperature, and nutrient management impact plant growth and stress tolerance. Her studies include optimizing controlled environments for high-value crops such as lettuce, basil, and watermelon, while exploring solutions for salinity and nutrient deficiencies. Recent work highlights innovative uses of agricultural waste as biofertilizers and the physiological mechanisms underlying crop responses to environmental stressors. Publications: Her recent articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to plant factory systems, biostimulant applications, and environmental control in horticulture. Key themes include optimizing light spectra and thermal regimes for leafy greens, assessing organic fertilizer efficacy, and leveraging waste materials for sustainable agriculture. Awards: No awards explicitly listed in the provided text. Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, her research aligns with Texas A&M’s focus on agricultural innovation. No advisee names are listed in the text. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Dallas, focusing on urban agriculture and horticultural engineering solutions.

Carl RothfelsView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Systematics and Diversity
• Phylogenetics
• Polyploidy and Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Carl Rothfels is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Utah State University. Formerly a Faculty Curator at UC Berkeley (2015–2022), he earned his PhD in Biology from Duke University (2012) and a BA in Biology from McMaster University (2001). His research focuses on evolutionary biology using phylogenetic tools to study plant diversification, particularly in seed-free vascular plants like ferns and lycophytes. Education : PhD (Duke University), BA (McMaster University) Rothfels investigates polyploidy's evolutionary impacts, leveraging novel phylogenetic methods to resolve debates about diversification rates in polyploid lineages. His work spans molecular divergence, morphological change, and biogeography, with NSF CAREER grant 2144011 supporting field initiatives like the Intermountain Botany Foray. Selected publications highlight his expertise in Bayesian diversification modeling and comparative evolutionary analysis. Scientific awards include the Carol D. Soc Mentoring Award, reflecting his commitment to graduate student development. Students : Chinedum Anajemba, Julia Hobbie The Rothfels Lab (part of the Intermountain Herbarium) combines fieldwork, genomic data analysis, and collaborative projects like the California Conservation Genomics Project. Lab members engage in fern systematics, Azolla genome studies, and phylogenetic method development.

• Reproductive Biology
• Endocrinology
• Salmonid Fishes
• +4 more

James J Nagler is a Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Science at the University of Idaho, where he directs the Center for Research on Invasive Species and serves as Affiliate Faculty at the Aquaculture Research Institute. His research integrates endocrinology, genetics, and ecology to address critical questions in fish reproduction and invasive species management. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1991). Ph.D., Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1991 Nagler's research focuses on reproductive biology of salmonids, particularly examining how photoperiod, diet, contaminants, and energy balance regulate maturation, spawning behavior, and rematuration. His work has established key biomarkers for reproductive status and elucidated endocrine pathways involving growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and sex steroids. He investigates both wild populations and aquaculture systems, with significant contributions to understanding iteroparity in steelhead trout and precocious maturation in Chinook salmon. Analysis of his recent publications (2017-2025) reveals consistent emphasis on repeat spawning physiology in steelhead, energy allocation trade-offs, genomic approaches to maturation traits, and environmental manipulations for aquaculture management. His work bridges fundamental endocrine mechanisms with applied conservation challenges, particularly regarding invasive species impacts on aquatic ecosystems. As Director of the Center for Research on Invasive Species, Nagler leads interdisciplinary efforts to understand and mitigate invasive species threats, while his affiliation with the Aquaculture Research Institute connects his research to sustainable fish production practices.

Jennifer LachowiecView profile

Associate Professor

• genetic interactions
• gene regulatory networks
• plant robustness
• +7 more

Jennifer Lachowiec serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology at Montana State University's College of Agriculture. Her research program focuses on understanding genetic robustness in plants through interdisciplinary approaches spanning quantitative genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. She teaches foundational courses in biometry and research design while leading a technology-driven laboratory that utilizes unoccupied aerial systems for large-scale phenotyping. Educational background: Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington (2014) B.S. in Genetics and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2008) Her research centers on predicting phenotypes from genetic sequences with emphasis on plant robustness—the capacity to maintain phenotypes despite genetic mutations and environmental fluctuations. The Lachowiec Lab integrates quantitative genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary approaches to study gene regulatory networks and genetic interactions. A key innovation involves deploying UAVs and automated imaging systems to quantify robustness across plant populations, enabling high-throughput analysis of crop resiliency traits. This work bridges fundamental genetic mechanisms with practical agricultural applications for developing climate-resilient crops. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal consistent focus on UAV-based phenotyping, polyploid genomics, and crop stress adaptation. Key trends include development of robust phenomic databases, genetic dissection of barley malting traits, herbicide resistance mechanisms in aquatic weeds, and metabolic responses to environmental stress. The work demonstrates strong translational impact through USDA-funded projects addressing nitrogen-efficient camelina production and heat stress tolerance in cereal crops. Scientific recognition includes: Nominated for USDA Teaching Award (2023) Phi Kappa Phi Anna K. Fridley Award (2023) College of Agriculture Teaching Award of Merit (2023) Transformative Teaching Award (2022) Open Education Resources Adoption Award (2021) Research is supported by multiple USDA NIFA and DOE grants including 'Enhancing Camelina Oilseed Production with Minimum Nitrogen Fertilization,' 'Uncovering developmental mechanisms to sustain grain number during heat stress,' and 'Genetic controls for crop microbiome recruitment.' Dr. Lachowiec serves on the North American Plant Phenotyping Network DEI Committee and has organized outreach events including MSU Family Science Day. Her laboratory, located in the Plant Bioscience Building on traditional Amskapii Pikani, Apsaalooke, Tsétsêhéstâhese, and Seliš lands, maintains specialized facilities for UAV-based phenotyping and growth room imaging systems to advance plant robustness research.

Matthew B HuffordView profile

Professor

• Plant Genetics
• Genomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Matthew B Hufford is a Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at Iowa State University. He joined the faculty in 2013 as an Assistant Professor and currently holds the Cassling Family Professorship. His research focuses on the evolution and ecology of crops, particularly maize and its wild relatives, including teosintes. Key areas include demography of maize landraces, gene flow dynamics in Zea genus, and comparative genomics of grass species. Education: B.S. in Biology from Wheaton College (1999), M.S. in International Agricultural Development and Ph.D. in Ecology, both from UC Davis (2010). Research interests span genomic diversity in maize, adaptation to environmental conditions, and the role of transposable elements in genome evolution. His lab investigates genomic resources like pan-genomes and assembly tools (e.g., Gapless assemblies using long-read technologies). Recent trends in publications highlight advancements in genomic tools, climate adaptation, and comparative analyses across grass species. Labs/Teams: The Hufford Lab at Iowa State University focuses on evolutionary genomics, leveraging genomic data to understand crop domestication and adaptation. Collaborations involve bioinformatics, genetics, and ecological studies.

Zhangjun FeiView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Genomics
• Systems Biology
• Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Zhangjun Fei is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, and a faculty member at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI). His research spans Developing computational tools for omics data analysis Creating genomic databases for crop improvement Applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) to understand crop evolution Inferring gene regulatory networks Research interests include: Genomics and systems biology of economically important crops (tomato, cucurbits, sweetpotato, fruit trees) Integration of genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome datasets Development of bioinformatics resources like Plant MetGenMAP, iAssembler, iTAK, and VirusDetect Exploration of gene regulatory networks via multi-omics data fusion Recent publications highlight trends in Super-pangenome analysis for structural variation Gene discovery in stress tolerance and domestication Molecular mechanisms of fruit quality and disease resistance Evolutionary insights across cucurbit and fruit crops Labs and teams include the Fei Lab at BTI , which has led initiatives like: Pan-African Sweet Potato Virome and Chinese Tomato Virome projects Collaborations with USDA, Meiogenix, and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Training programs through BTI Summer Internships and Cornell graduate fields

• Plant Genomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Speciation
• +3 more

Dr. Adrian Brennan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Durham, UK. He holds key roles as the Academic Lead of the Durham Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (since 2024), Academic Director of Durham Botanic Garden (since 2022), and Deputy International Exchange Coordinator (since 2023). His research focuses on genomic basis of adaptive trait variation, speciation, hybridization, and domestication in plants. He leads studies on Linum (flax), Haeterina damselflies, and invasive species like Centaurea solstitialis. Brennan teaches Evolution, Genomics, and Research Skills at undergraduate and graduate levels. He collaborates globally and serves as an associate editor for journals including Frontiers in Plant Science and Molecular Ecology . His educational background includes a DPhil (PhD) in Plant Sciences from the University of Oxford (2003) and a BA in Biological Sciences from the same university (1999). He has held postdoctoral roles at institutions like the University of Bristol and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh before joining Durham in 2013. Brennan's research integrates genomic approaches with field and controlled experiments to study genetic architecture of traits like breeding systems, local adaptation, and domestication. His work emphasizes crop wild relatives and their genetic resources for agriculture. He actively supervises PhD students in topics like flax genomic resources and wildflower seed mixes.