Find Academic Supervisors

Kathleen M. PryerView profile

Professor

• Fern and Lycophyte Evolution
• Molecular Phylogenetics
• Plant Systematics
• +4 more

Kathleen M. Pryer is a Professor of Biology at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on fern and lycophyte evolution, integrating molecular, morphological, and fossil evidence. She leads projects in phylogenetics, RNA editing, and herbarium digitization, including the Pteridological Collections Consortium. Pryer has received awards such as the NSF CAREER Award and the Edgar T. Wherry Award. She co-authored over 200 publications, with recent work on fern genomics and symbiotic relationships. Her grants include funding for digitization projects and fern genome sequencing. Pryer mentors students in biodiversity and evolutionary biology, and she actively participates in outreach, including the Duke Plants website and FEMMES programs. She also oversees the Duke University Herbarium and collaborates on machine learning applications for ecological data analysis. Education: Ph.D., Duke University, 1995 M.S., University of Guelph (Canada), 1981 B.S., McGill University (Canada), 1976 Research Interests: Fern systematics, molecular evolution, polyploidy, and biodiversity informatics. Key topics include RNA editing in plastomes, phylogenetic classification of cheilanthoid ferns, and the PteridoPortal database. Her work bridges traditional botany with cutting-edge genomic and computational methods. Awards & Honors: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2004–2010) Edgar T. Wherry Award (1988) Outstanding Faculty Award (2013) Over 20 grants from NSF, National Geographic, and other institutions Grants & Funding: Includes digitization projects, phylogenetic research, and genome sequencing initiatives. Recent grants focus on fern diversity and climate change impacts. Labs & Teams: Directs the Pryer Lab at Duke, collaborating on fern genomics and herbarium digitization. Engages in interdisciplinary work with computer science and entomology.

Tom WilliamsView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Yeast Engineering
• Metabolic Engineering
• +3 more

Tom Williams is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Natural Sciences , Macquarie University . His work focuses on synthetic biology, yeast engineering, and genomic design, with a particular emphasis on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. He leads projects in synthetic methylotrophy, genome redesign, and microbial strain development for industrial applications. Williams has contributed to groundbreaking research on synthetic yeast chromosomes and genomic plasticity. Education details are not explicitly provided in the text, but his extensive research output indicates advanced training in microbiology, genetics, and bioengineering. His research interests span synthetic biology tools, metabolic engineering, and AI-driven analytics for biological systems. Publications highlight innovations in yeast genome engineering (e.g., synXVI chromosome), bioremediation of agro-wastes, and adaptive evolution strategies. His work integrates lab-based evolution with computational methods to optimize microbial productivity. Williams has received 8 awards, including poster prizes at international conferences and travel awards for genomic research. Notable prizes include the first-place poster award at the 2012 BioNano Innovation Conference and the 2017 Biobricks Foundation Scholar Travel Award. He advises students like Philip Kelso (via a CSIRO scholarship) and collaborates on grants such as the 'Novel cattle feed for reducing greenhouse gases' (2024–2027). His lab is part of the Biomolecular Discovery and Design Research Centre, a multidisciplinary team advancing synthetic biology and microbial engineering. Current projects include synthetic yeast chassis for C1 metabolism and harnessing evolution for microbial productivity. His work explores applications in space nutrition systems and sustainable biomanufacturing using engineered microbes.

Kirsten BombliesView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Plant Polyploidy
• Meiosis
• +3 more

Kirsten Bomblies serves as Full Professor in the Department of Biology at ETH Zurich, where she concurrently holds the position of Deputy Head of the Institute of Molecular Plant Biology. Her research program addresses fundamental questions in evolutionary genetics through the lens of polyploid adaptation in plants, with primary focus on Arabidopsis arenosa as a model system for understanding genome duplication consequences. Her research interests concentrate on the molecular mechanisms enabling meiotic stability in polyploids, investigating how plants overcome the initial infertility barrier following whole-genome duplication. Key areas include chromosome pairing dynamics, crossover interference evolution, and the genetic basis of adaptive traits like drought tolerance emerging as by-products of polyploidy. Her work integrates cytological, genomic, and population genetic approaches to dissect how natural selection shapes meiotic machinery in response to genome duplication events, with particular attention to temperature-responsive recombination plasticity and protein stability adaptations. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals consistent thematic focus on polyploid meiosis stabilization since 2012, with recent work expanding into 3D genome organization, chromatin accessibility changes in nascent polyploids, and the role of cohesin variants in adaptive evolution. Her research demonstrates how polyploid systems evolve solutions to universal challenges of multivalent chromosome pairing, with implications for understanding evolutionary innovation following genome duplication events across eukaryotes.

Tia-Lynn AshmanView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Plant-Pollinator Interactions
• Polyploidy and Biodiversity
• +3 more

Dr. Tia-Lynn Ashman is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly polyploidy’s role in biodiversity, sex chromosome evolution, plant-pollinator interactions, and floral trait evolution. She leads a lab conducting field and genomic studies in diverse ecosystems, including California serpentine seeps, Hawaiian volcanic landscapes, and urban contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Ecology, University of California, Davis (1991). Postdoctoral training at McGill University with DJ Schoen. Joined Pitt in 1994. Research Interests: Polyploidy’s impact on genomic and functional biodiversity; sex chromosome evolution in Fragaria; plant-pollinator networks under environmental change; floral trait evolution driven by pollinators, pathogens, and abiotic factors. Current projects include studying nickel hyperaccumulation effects on pollination and genomic analysis of octoploid strawberry evolution. Her lab’s work integrates genetics, ecology, and phylogenetics to address fundamental questions in plant evolution. Key collaborations include international teams studying Fragaria genetics and global pollination networks.

Bailian LiView profile

Professor

• Forest Genetics
• Tree Breeding
• Quantitative Genetics
• +4 more

Bailian Li is a Professor at the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, within the College of Natural Resources. He holds a B.S. from Beijing Forestry University (1982), and M.S. and Ph.D. from NC State (1985, 1989). His research focuses on forest genetics and breeding, quantitative and population genetics, and genetic studies of tree physiology and molecular biology. Key research areas include breeding strategy development, genetic data analysis, and genetic influences on tree physiology. His work integrates molecular genetics with field-based studies, particularly in Populus and pine species. Recent studies explore pseudogene evolution, polyploid effects on tree physiology, and miRNA interactions regulating plant growth. Dr. Li has secured grants totaling over $2 million, including the Confucius Institute at NC State (2006–2021) and multiple Peace Corps recruitment grants. His research on loblolly pine wood properties and association genetics of complex traits in pine has advanced genetic improvement strategies for forest plantations. He is affiliated with the NCSU-Industry Cooperative Tree Improvement Program (ICTIP) and collaborates with the USDA Forest Service. His work bridges fundamental genetics with applied tree breeding, emphasizing genetic variation and trait improvement in forest resources.

Francesco SalaminiView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Plant Genomics
• +4 more

Francesco Salamini is a Professor of Genetic Technologies at the University of Milan. His career includes leadership roles such as Director of the Max-Planck-Institut für Züchtungsforschung in Köln (1985–2004), Chairman of the Genome Programme Genoplante in Paris (2000–2006), and Head of the Maize Section at the Institute of Cereal Research in Rome (1975–1985). He is affiliated with the Parco Tecnologico Padano (Lodi) as Scientific Board Chairman and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Vitis Biosciences Inc. His research focuses on molecular genetics, plant genomics, and biotechnology applications. Key areas include gene expression regulation in plants, molecular sequence analysis, and the study of plant proteins. His work bridges fundamental genomic research with sustainable agricultural solutions. Research Highlights: Genome deconstruction in grapevine, interaction between KNOX and ethylene pathways in barley, and biotechnological innovations for environmental sustainability. Dr. Salamini has received notable recognition including membership in the Academia Europaea (1990) and Honorary Professorship at the University of Köln. His contributions span academic leadership, industry collaboration, and impactful scientific publications in journals like Plant Physiology and PloS One . Advising and Grants: While no specific advisees are listed, his extensive leadership roles suggest involvement in training researchers through institutional programs. Major grants and funding details are not explicitly provided in the sources. Labs/Teams: Formerly led teams at the Max-Planck-Institut and Institute of Cereal Research, and currently collaborates with Parco Tecnologico Padano on applied research initiatives.

Deanna SoperView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Reproduction
• +3 more

Dr. Deanna Soper is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Dallas. Her research focuses on evolutionary biology and ecology, with an emphasis on host-parasite interactions, reproductive strategies in freshwater snails, coral biology, and animal behavior. She leads the Soper Lab , which collaborates on projects involving AI-driven marine habitat analysis and endangered coral conservation. Dr. Soper teaches courses such as Marine Biology, Evolutionary Biology, and Tropical Ecology. Education: B.S., Trine University M.B.A., Indiana University, Northwest PhD, Indiana University, Bloomington Research Interests: Dr. Soper's lab investigates freshwater snail parasitology, coral growth mechanisms, and the evolutionary drivers of reproductive behaviors. Current projects include AI analysis of deep-sea ROV footage for biodiversity assessment and microfragmentation techniques for coral restoration. Her work bridges ecological field studies with molecular genetics to understand organismal adaptations. Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not listed, her research indicates ongoing collaborative projects. No advised students are explicitly mentioned in available materials. Labs & Teams: The Soper Lab engages undergraduates in diverse projects, emphasizing hands-on experience through fieldwork, genetic analysis, and technological applications in marine ecology.

Ragnhild EskelandView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Biology
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Ragnhild Eskeland is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO). She holds academic ties with the Faculty of Medicine and leads research on chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation in stem cells and cancer. She has managed significant projects, including the Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (2018-2027) and PharmaTox, focusing on medication safety in pregnancy. Her academic journey includes a PhD from Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (2006) and postdoctoral research at institutions in Norway and Scotland. Her work integrates techniques like FISH, microscopy, and biochemical methods to study chromatin dynamics, with applications in cancer and developmental biology. Education: Cand. Mag. (Molecular Biology/Chemistry, University of Bergen), PhD (Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich). Key collaborations include Prof. Philippe Collas (UiO), Dr. Tiziana Bonaldi (Italy), and Prof. Kerstin Bystricky (France). Research spans epigenetics, chromatin organization, and cancer biology. Over 40 publications (selected 2017-2023) highlight contributions to chromatin accessibility, transcription factors, and drug toxicity in neuronal cells.

• Plant Physiology
• Abiotic Stress Tolerance
• Crop Genomics
• +4 more

Prof. Zhong-Hua Chen is a Professor in Plant Physiology at the University of Adelaide's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. He holds an ARC Future Fellowship and chairs major research initiatives like the ARC Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture. Education: BSc from Zhejiang University (China) and PhD from University of Tasmania (2008), followed by postdoctoral training at University of Glasgow. Previously served as Associate Professor/Professor at Western Sydney University and held roles like Deputy Program Leader at CRC Future Food Systems. Research focuses on Stomatal regulation mechanisms in cereals (barley/wheat/rice) for heat/drought/salinity tolerance Molecular evolution and omics (multi-omics/STOMICS) for crop stress resilience Protected cropping sustainability (energy efficiency, resource optimization) Fern genomics and physiology Recent articles highlight advances in crop stress biology, genome editing in ferns, and sustainable greenhouse practices. His work spans 250+ publications in top journals like Nature Plants and Plant Cell. Awards include Clarivate High Citation status and national/international grants from ARC, Hort Innovation, and CRC. Editorial roles include Editor-in-Chief of Plant Growth Regulation and Associate Editor of Plant Physiology. Led a lab with 15+ PhD students and 20+ former staff now in global academic/industry roles. Active in international collaborations and policy advisory roles (Australian Council of Deans for Agriculture).

Madara KreishmaneView profile

Researcher

• Immunology
• Cancer Research
• Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Madara Kreishmane is an Acting Researcher at the Institute of Microbiology and Virology , Riga Stradiņš University, working within the Prof. Dace Pjanova Group. Her research bridges Immunology and Cancer Biology , with key contributions to melanoma mutation analysis, bacteriophage-derived therapies, and exercise-induced cancer modulation. Research Focus: Melanoma progression, dsRNA antiviral agents, tumor immunology, polyploid cancer cell dynamics Key Projects: Whole exome sequencing for melanoma detection (2025), Quantitative dsRNA assessment in Larifan (2024), SARS-CoV-2 virology (2021-2022) Her publications demonstrate expertise in BRAF/NRAS mutation impacts, extracellular vesicles, and telomere biology. She received the Latvian Academy of Sciences President's Letter of Appreciation (2022) for SARS-CoV-2 research.

Karine Van DoninckView profile

Researcher

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Genetics
• Radiation Biology
• +4 more

Karine Van Doninck is a researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel , focusing on evolutionary ecology and genetics. She has led and supervised numerous projects, including studies on bdelloid rotifers, freshwater clams, and extremophile organisms. Doctor of Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Evolutionary ecology and genetics of asexual darwinulid ostracods) Her research explores evolutionary genetics , radiation biology , and reproductive mode evolution , with work on extremophile organisms like Adineta vaga in space environments. Recent articles address transcriptomic responses to microgravity, radiation effects, and meiotic modifications in freshwater clams. She has contributed to 15+ research outputs , including studies on urbanization impacts on rotifers, redox biology of antioxidants, and ploidy variation in amoebas. Her collaborations span institutions like the International Space Station and Dryad Digital Repository. Key scientific awards include recognition in 2003. She actively participates in conferences such as the Evolutionary Biology Meeting (2010) and International Rotifer Symposium (2009). Her work intersects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals , particularly in advancing scientific understanding of genetic diversity and ecological adaptation.

Margarita Marqués MartínezView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Stem Cell Research
• +3 more

Margarita Marqués Martínez is an Associate Professor at the University of León, affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Animal Production. Her research focuses on molecular biology, genetics, and stem cell research, particularly the role of p73 isoforms in developmental processes and disease mechanisms. Her research group MODCELL investigates topics such as cell differentiation, vascular development, and genetic engineering applications in livestock. Notably, she has pioneered CRISPR-Cas9 studies in mouse embryonic stem cells to dissect Trp73 gene isoform functions and their implications in cancer and neurodevelopment. Recent publications highlight her work on p73's role in endothelial differentiation, angiogenesis, and tissue architecture. She also contributes to educational innovations through projects like Biometac, promoting hands-on biology learning beyond traditional classrooms.

Mark ChapmanView profile

Professor

• Plant Genomics
• Crop Domestication
• Ecological Adaptation
• +3 more

Professor Mark Chapman is a leading academic in plant genomics and evolutionary biology at the University of Southampton. He holds a tenured professorship and is actively involved in PhD supervision and research projects addressing global food security and ecological adaptation. His work spans domestication genomics, crop resilience, and the genetic basis of plant adaptation to environmental challenges. Research interests include genomic approaches to improve crop productivity, understanding evolutionary mechanisms of domestication, and analyzing plant responses to drought and climate change. His projects often integrate genomic technologies with ecological field studies, focusing on underutilized legumes like lablab and lychee. Professor Chapman has led or collaborated on multiple funded projects, including Royal Society grants and interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Precision Biosciences Innovation Hub. He currently supervises four PhD students and contributes to teaching in biological sciences. His recent publications highlight trends in agricultural genomics, domestication genetics, and ecological interactions, with a focus on leveraging genomic data to enhance crop resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Odelia SchwartzView profile

Associate Professor

• Machine Learning
• Computational Neuroscience
• Medical Informatics
• +4 more

Odelia Schwartz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences. She also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies for Computer Science and holds a secondary faculty appointment in Biology. Her research focuses on computational neuroscience, machine learning applications in healthcare and biology, and the intersection of artificial intelligence with visual and neural processing systems. Key research areas include machine learning analysis of medical signals (e.g., ECG for atrial fibrillation prediction), computational modeling of biological systems (e.g., endosymbiont population dynamics via microscopy image analysis), and hierarchical neural network models for visual cortex understanding. Her work integrates statistical methods with deep learning to bridge computational models and biological/neurological phenomena. Publications highlight applications in cardiology, neurotrauma recovery prediction, and visual cortex modeling. While no specific awards are listed, her contributions span interdisciplinary fields at the university and collaborative research institutions. Advising no listed students, but actively engages in graduate training through her faculty roles. No specific labs/teams are mentioned, though collaborations with medical and biological departments are evident.

• Plant Breeding
• Genomic Selection
• Wheat Genetics
• +5 more

Jessica Elaine Rutkoski serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Crop Sciences within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Her research bridges genomic technologies with practical crop breeding applications. Her primary research interests focus on genomic selection methodologies , wheat breeding optimization , and Fusarium resistance mechanisms . Key areas include grain quality analysis, genetic gain measurement, and phenomics integration. She employs advanced computational approaches like neural networks for disease phenotyping and multi-trait selection models. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on improving cereal crops through genomic prediction, with particular attention to wheat and oats. Her work integrates machine learning with traditional breeding to address disease resistance and quality traits. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the source material, her research demonstrates significant impact through frequent news coverage and social media engagement across multiple publications. Dr. Rutkoski actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving genomics, phenomics, and agronomy, though specific advising relationships or grant details are not provided in the available text. Her laboratory work appears centered on developing high-throughput phenotyping systems for disease resistance and grain quality assessment in cereal crops.