Find Academic Supervisors

• Potato breeding and genetics
• Polyploid breeding
• Disease and insect resistance
• +5 more

David S. Douches is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences within Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He directs three major programs: the MSU Potato Breeding & Genetics program, the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, and the USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership operating in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Kenya. Since joining MSU in 1988, he has released over 30 potato varieties and secured significant funding including USDA/NIFA North Central Regional Potato Breeding grants and USDA/BRAG gene editing projects. Dr. Douches earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. His expertise spans potato breeding and genetics with focus areas including: Polyploid breeding and genetics Breeding for disease and insect resistance SNP marker development and application Genetic engineering and gene editing applications Trait mapping and diploid potato breeding systems His research portfolio demonstrates strong emphasis on translating genetic discoveries into practical breeding outcomes. Recent publications highlight work on CRISPR-based self-compatibility induction in diploid potatoes, late blight resistance through R-gene stacking, heat tolerance mechanisms in wild germplasm, and molecular dissection of quality traits like cold-induced sweetening. The work bridges fundamental genomics with applied breeding objectives across multiple international contexts. Scientific recognition includes: Honorary Life Membership to Potato Association of America (2021) 2019 Corporate Connector of the Year 2014 William Beal Outstanding Faculty Award 2011 Potato Researcher of the Year Award Dr. Douches actively mentors graduate students like Natalie Kirk Wyland (studying Colorado potato beetle resistance) and Felix Encisol (focusing on genome editing). His $6M USDA-funded research on pest-management strategies involves international collaborations across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, South Africa, China, Peru, Guatemala, and Honduras. He previously directed the Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project (SolCAP) which developed four widely-used potato SNP arrays. Current leadership includes the USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership (2015-2026) and USDA-funded biotech initiatives assessing gene editing off-target effects. His Molecular Plant Sciences laboratory at 1066 Bogue Street conducts hands-on breeding work from greenhouse to field trials, emphasizing student involvement in all research stages. The program maintains strong industry connections through Michigan's position as the top US state for potato chip production.

• Fusarium pathogens
• Pectobacterium
• Plant disease resistance
• +5 more

Theo van der Lee is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research specializing in Biointeractions and Plant Health . With over 254 research outputs and 20 datasets, he focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, particularly within Fusarium and Pectobacterium genera. His work spans molecular diagnostics, genome sequencing, and evolutionary analysis of plant diseases. Key research areas: Fusarium head blight, bacterial virulence, mitochondrial genomics Active projects: Wart disease control, maize stalk rot resistance, pangenome mining Major contributions include: Developing NGS-based diagnostic tools Unraveling evolutionary histories of plant pathogens Creating efficient target enrichment methods He has received international recognition including the 2007 Friendship Award from Liaoning Province for agricultural research contributions and frequently contributes to professional conferences on plant disease detection and resilience. Notable collaborations include: Dr. S. Aarts (plant genetics) Prof. Y. Bai (disease phenotyping) Dr. M. Duhamel (plant immunity)

Deborah A SamacView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Alfalfa Diseases
• Genomics
• +4 more

Deborah A Samac is a Supervisory Research Geneticist at the USDA-ARS Plant Science Research Unit and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on alfalfa diseases, including bacterial stem blight and Aphanomyces root rot, leveraging genomics, transcriptomics, and microbial ecology to develop disease-resistant cultivars. She also investigates wild rice pathogens and sustainable crop management strategies. Education: PhD in Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison BA in Biology, The Colorado College Research Interests: Dr. Samac's lab studies plant-pathogen interactions in alfalfa, utilizing genome sequencing and genetic mapping to combat diseases like bacterial stem blight ( Pseudomonas syringae ) and Aphanomyces root rot. Her work extends to microbial communities in alfalfa roots and the development of genomic resources for alfalfa improvement, including the RegenSY27x genotype used in genetic transformation. Publications: Her recent articles (2022–2025) emphasize alfalfa genomics, disease resistance mechanisms, and pathogen diversity, with consistent themes in plant-pathogen interactions, genetic mapping, and sustainable crop protection. Grants & Collaborations: She has led or co-investigated 11 USDA-ARS projects, including 'Phenotyping of Soybean and Alfalfa Plants for Traits Enhancing Agronomic Value' and genomic studies on alfalfa and wild rice pathogens.

Shahryar KianianView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Molecular Plant-Pathogen Interactions
• Cereal Crop Genetics
• Genomic Tools for Crop Improvement
• +3 more

Shahryar Kianian is a USDA-ARS Supervisory Research Geneticist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota, specializing in plant genetics and pathology. He works at the Cereal Disease Lab in St. Paul, MN, focusing on molecular analysis of plant-pathogen interactions in cereal crops. Education: PhD in Genetics (University of California-Davis, 1990), BS in Biological Sciences (University of California-Irvine, 1984) His research spans genomic tools development for wheat, barley, and oat improvement, emphasizing disease resistance (crown rust, stem rust, wheat dwarf virus) and stress tolerance using wild relatives, radiation-induced chromosomal breaks, and alloplasmic lines. His work contributes to SDGs related to food security and sustainable agriculture. Recent publications highlight chromosomal mapping , fungal genomics , and stress tolerance mechanisms . He collaborates extensively on USDA-funded projects like Development of Genomic Tools for Cereal Crop Improvement and studies on alternate host effects in oat crown rust virulence.

Adrian ForsytheView profile

Researcher

• Paleogenomics
• Microbiome Ecology
• Fungal Genetics
• +2 more

Adrian Forsythe serves as a Researcher at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology within the Faculty of Science and Technology. Based at the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) in Uppsala, Forsythe maintains active research collaborations across multiple disciplines. Research focuses on evolutionary genomics and ecological adaptation, with primary expertise in ancient DNA analysis of Pleistocene megafauna , fungal transposon dynamics in disease outbreaks , microbiome-host coevolution , and cytogenetic mechanisms in polyploid fish systems . Work integrates molecular techniques with ecological modeling to address evolutionary questions across deep and recent time scales. Publication analysis reveals strong interdisciplinary trends spanning paleogenomics (2025 bison metagenomics), fungal pathogen evolution (2025 transposon study), and comparative microbiome ecology (2022 oral microbiome paper). Research consistently emphasizes environmental drivers over phylogenetic constraints in shaping biological systems. Professional engagement includes active collaboration with international research teams across four recent publications, with significant social media and academic platform visibility (referenced by 33 X users, 21 Bluesky users, and featured on Wikipedia).

Hannah ReesView profile

Research Fellow

• Circadian Rhythm
• Plant Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics
• +3 more

Hannah Rees is a Strategic Research Fellow at the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University. Her work focuses on circadian rhythms in wild and crop plants, combining molecular biology, imaging techniques, and bioinformatics to improve agricultural potential. Specializes in RT-qPCR , RNA-sequencing , and delayed fluorescence imaging PhD from Liverpool University (with Anthony Hall) Key projects: BioClocks UK (2024-2029) and Circadian variation in red clover (2024-2025) Her research addresses critical agricultural challenges including: Optimization of water use efficiency and nitrogen utilization Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and stress tolerance Understanding clock regulation of ecosystem interactions Investigating developmental timing through circadian mechanisms Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

• Plant Pathology
• Plant Immune Receptors
• Genome-Assisted Breeding
• +3 more

Carolina Olave Achury is a PhD-qualified researcher at the University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences, specializing in plant-pathogen interactions and immune receptor biology. Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms of plant disease resistance, particularly against Phytophthora pathogens affecting crops like potato and banana. Her research interests center on plant immune receptor discovery , genome-assisted breeding , and chromosomal evolution in polyploid crops . Key contributions include identifying conserved RXLR-WY effectors in Phytophthora species and characterizing NLR immune receptor activation mechanisms. Her work bridges fundamental molecular biology with agricultural applications for disease-resistant crop development. Analysis of her publication record reveals strong emphasis on comparative genomics and effector-triggered immunity , with significant contributions to understanding how plants recognize pathogen effectors across Solanaceae crops. Her research demonstrates consistent high-impact output in top-tier journals including Nature Genetics and Molecular Plant. Notable recognition includes substantial citation metrics (53 citations for her EMBO Journal paper) and broad dissemination through social media (78+ X posts) and news outlets. Her collaborative network spans international institutions, with frequent co-authorship with Jones Lab researchers at The Sainsbury Laboratory. Current work focuses on applying genome assembly techniques to identify novel immune receptors in wild Solanum species for crop improvement.

Leynar Leyton NaranjoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Horticultural Genetics
• Drought Tolerance
• +3 more

Dr. Leynar Leyton Naranjo is an Assistant Professor at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) of the University of Florida, specializing in plant breeding and genetics. His research focuses on developing resilient ornamental plants with drought and heat tolerance, emphasizing underutilized native species to enhance ecosystem services and landscape performance. He directs the Gary W. Knox Gardens, promoting urban horticulture, plant conservation, and new plant variety trials. Key research interests include genetic diversity in Linnaeoideae (e.g., Abelia), Aronia berry cultivation challenges in subtropical climates, and optimizing propagation techniques for ornamental species. His work addresses both scientific and applied aspects, such as embryo rescue protocols, self-incompatibility mechanisms, and hybrid development. No specific awards are listed, though his professional service includes leadership roles in horticultural initiatives. His program bridges academic research with practical applications, targeting sustainable ornamental plant production and environmental stewardship.

Zhaobang ZengView profile

Professor

• Quantitative Genetics
• Plant Genomics
• Polyploid Genetics
• +4 more

Zhaobang Zeng is the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University, specializing in Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, and Bioengineering. His work focuses on quantitative genetics, polyploid crops, and genomic tools for crop improvement. He leads research in QTL mapping, genomic selection, and the genetic basis of traits in sweetpotato, potato, and other polyploid species. Research interests emphasize understanding complex genetic architectures, developing novel statistical methods for mapping quantitative traits, and advancing tools for analyzing polyploid genomes. His contributions include VIEWpoly, a visualization tool for polyploid genetic data, and foundational work in autotetraploid and hexaploid mapping methodologies. Recent articles highlight advancements in nematode resistance QTL discovery, genomic challenges in polyploid crops, and the integration of high-throughput genomic data. His work bridges classical genetics with modern genomic approaches, addressing critical challenges in plant breeding and agricultural sustainability. Zeng’s research has implications for improving crop resilience, enhancing nutritional content, and advancing genomic technologies applicable to both basic and applied agricultural sciences.

Marcelo MollinariView profile

Research Professor

• Genetic Statistics
• Polyploid Genetics
• Plant Breeding
• +3 more

Marcelo Mollinari is an Assistant Research Professor at North Carolina State University, affiliated with the Department of Horticultural Science and the Bioinformatics Research Center. His research focuses on genetic statistics and computational strategies to decode inheritance patterns in polyploid species, particularly in plants like sweetpotato and alfalfa. He develops tools such as the VIEWpoly app for visualizing genetic maps and QTL analysis. His work encompasses genomic characterization of polyploid crops, including hexaploid sweetpotato and Urochloa humidicola. He has contributed to public genotyping platforms and advanced methods for linkage mapping and haplotype phasing in complex genomes. Mollinari’s publications highlight advancements in QTL discovery for traits like disease resistance and nutritional content, as well as computational pipelines for genomic data analysis. Key contributions include the development of R packages like MAPpoly and VIEWpoly , which provide essential tools for geneticists studying polyploid organisms. His research bridges statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and plant breeding to address challenges in crop improvement.

Solène Guiheneuf-VacherView profile

Researcher

• Therapeutic Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• +5 more

Solène Guiheneuf-Vacher is a researcher at Université de Rennes , affiliated with the Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes (ISCR) and Kemiwatt company. Her work spans therapeutic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and electrochemistry with expertise in ionic liquids, biodegradation, and microwave-assisted synthesis. Key Affiliations : Université de Rennes (ISCR, COrInt-CIP, MaCSE) ManRos Therapeutics (2014-2015) Kemiwatt (2015-present) Research Interests focus on: Design of kinase inhibitors from marine alkaloid derivatives Development of hydrophobic ionic liquids for VOC treatment Biodegradation in two-phase partitioning bioreactors Electrolyte formulation for redox flow batteries Publication Trends reveal expertise in: Therapeutic chemistry (2012-2015) Environmental biodegradation of pollutants (2012-2018) Electrochemical applications of ionic liquids (2016-2017) Labs/Teams : ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes) MaCSE (Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion) Kemiwatt (Energy Innovation Company)

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Comparative Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• +7 more

David Alvarez-Ponce is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research focuses on evolutionary genetics, comparative genomics, and bioinformatics, particularly how evolutionary forces like purifying and positive selection shape genetic diversity. He leads the Bioinformatics & Genome Evolution Lab , which investigates molecular networks (metabolic, signal transduction, protein-protein interactions) and their evolutionary dynamics. Ph.D. , Genetics, University of Barcelona (2010) M.S. , Genetics, University of Barcelona (2007) B.S. , Biology, University of Barcelona (2005) B.S. , Computer Science, Open University of Catalonia (2015) His work explores the origins of eukaryotes through genomic fusion, organismal adaptation to temperature extremes, and the development of bioinformatics software. Recent publications highlight trends in genomic architecture, protein evolution, and pathogen genomics. He has received the Mousel-Feltner Award for Excellence in Research and the Zuckerkandl Prize for his contributions to molecular evolution. Current research integrates large-scale comparative genomics to decode evolutionary patterns in gene networks, with a focus on DNA variability and natural selection. His lab also examines the interplay between gene duplication, network centrality, and epigenetic regulation. Students and collaborators in his lab engage in multidisciplinary projects spanning computational biology, plant pathology, and conservation genetics.

• Biological Sciences
• Plant Biology
• Rare Species Distribution
• +8 more

Grzegorz Lazarski is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University (UKSW). His research focuses on biological sciences, particularly plant biology, rare species distribution, and alien flora in Central Europe. His work spans disciplines like grassland ecology, broomrape studies, Orchidaceae taxonomy, and karyotype analysis of polyploid plants. Keywords from his research profile include naturalisation, population dynamics, and conservation of rare species.

Wojtek PawlowskiView profile

Professor

• Meiotic Recombination
• Plant Genetics
• Genome Architecture
• +4 more

Wojtek Pawlowski serves as Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, holding dual appointments in the Plant Biology Section and Plant Breeding and Genetics Section. His laboratory is housed in the Plant Science Building at Cornell's Ithaca campus, where he conducts cutting-edge research on meiotic processes in plants. Dr. Pawlowski's research focuses on three interconnected themes: (i) mapping and understanding meiotic recombination patterns in maize genomes, (ii) investigating chromosome dynamics during early meiotic prophase using advanced microscopy techniques including restorative deconvolution and structured illumination microscopy, and (iii) studying genome rearrangements in newly formed polyploids. His work bridges fundamental chromosome biology with practical plant breeding applications, particularly through NSF-sponsored research on increasing crossovers in recombination-depressed genomic regions. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on maize as a model system, with significant contributions to understanding double-strand break formation, crossover distribution mechanisms, and chromatin features influencing recombination outcomes. His most recent work extends into commercial applications through Meiogenix, a chromosome-editing startup advancing non-GMO plant breeding solutions. Dr. Pawlowski actively contributes to education and outreach through courses in genetics and evolution, including Plant Evolutionary Biology (PLSCI 3440), and co-directs the NSF-sponsored SUMMIT program providing research internships for minority undergraduate students. His laboratory collaborates internationally through ERA-CAPS/NSF initiatives focused on chromosome axis dynamics.

Masaomi HatakeyamaView profile

Researcher

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Genetics
• +5 more

Masaomi Hatakeyama is a Post-doctoral Researcher at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, and concurrently serves as an Informatics Specialist at the Functional Genomic Center Zurich (both since 2012). His research bridges computational methods and biological inquiry, focusing on genomics and evolutionary genetics. Research Focus: Dr. Hatakeyama develops bioinformatics tools and genomic analysis pipelines, with emphasis on: De novo genome assembly of polyploid species (e.g., finger millet) Transcriptomics and gene expression patterns in allopolyploids Population genetics analysis of hybrid crops Reproducible NGS data analysis frameworks (e.g., SUSHI software) Publication Trends: His recent work (2015–2017) demonstrates consistent focus on plant genomics, evolutionary genetics, and bioinformatics tool development. Key themes include polyploid genome evolution, self-incompatibility mechanisms, and scalable computational methods for genomics data. Professional Background: Post-doctoral roles at University of Zurich (2011–present) Industry experience as a web developer (ywesee GmbH, 2010–2012) Visiting Researcher at Toyota Central R&D Labs, Japan (2008–2009) No awards, grants, or student mentorship details are provided in the source material. Affiliations: He operates within evolutionary biology and bioinformatics research teams at the University of Zurich and the Functional Genomic Center Zurich, leveraging cross-institutional collaboration for genomic studies.