Find Academic Supervisors

Hauke SmidtView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Gut Microbiota
• +4 more

Hauke Smidt is a Personal Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Molecular Ecology group within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. His research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly gut microbiota dynamics, antibiotic resistance, environmental microbiology, and the One Health framework. Smidt has supervised over 50 PhD students and contributed to 519 publications, including studies on microbiome resilience, fermented food impacts, and bioremediation strategies. Education and affiliations include leadership roles in projects addressing antimicrobial resistance, pig health, and drinking water microbiology. His work spans collaborations across Europe and Asia, with notable contributions to understanding microbial community responses to environmental stressors and dietary interventions. Smidt is actively involved in public outreach, as seen in media contributions discussing microbiome research and health benefits. Key projects include aquifer treatment for drinking water, microbiome simulation models, and combating plant pathogens. His awards and recognition are not explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record and project leadership highlight significant academic impact.

Chang-Jun LiuView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis
• Lignin biosynthesis and modification
• Plant cell wall structure
• +7 more

Chang-Jun Liu is a Senior Scientist in the Plant Science Group of the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he has conducted research on plant phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and lignin metabolism since joining in 2005. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Biochemistry & Cell Biology Department at Stony Brook University and serves as Associate Editor for Plant Cell & Environment (2024-present) and Frontiers in Plant Sciences (2015-present). Dr. Liu's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology, Chinese Academy of Science (1999) Dr. Liu's research integrates approaches from biochemistry, molecular genetics, biophysics, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology to investigate phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis in plants. His laboratory addresses fundamental questions about how lignin and related compounds are synthesized and incorporated into cell walls, how regulatory networks govern metabolic activity, and how lignification influences cell wall structure and function. A central aim of his research is optimizing plant feedstocks for efficient lignocellulosic biomass utilization. Analysis of Dr. Liu's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory from fundamental biochemical mechanisms to applied bioenergy solutions. His recent work focuses on cytochrome b5 diversity, electron transfer mechanisms in phenolic biosynthesis, and metabolic engineering approaches to modify lignin composition. This research spans from evolutionary studies of lignin biosynthesis across plant lineages to practical applications in bioenergy crop improvement. Dr. Liu has received recognition for his contributions to science, including: Brookhaven National Laboratory Science and Technology Award (2018) Dr. Liu serves as Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Biological Chemistry (2020-present), PNAS Nexus (2024-present), and Plant Physiology Journal (2025-). He is Scientific Lead at the Joint BioEnergy Institute, Feedstocks Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Project Lead at the Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His research is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through multiple Bioenergy Research Centers. Dr. Liu leads a research group at Brookhaven National Laboratory focused on elucidating the posttranslational regulation and macromolecular organization of lignin biosynthesis, with applications toward developing designer lignins and reducing biomass recalcitrance for sustainable biofuel production. His work addresses the critical challenge of lignin's dual nature: while it impedes enzymatic access to polysaccharides in biofuel production, it also represents the most abundant renewable source of aromatic carbon for high-value bioproducts.

Geng GuoqingView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sustainable Construction Materials
• Material Durability
• Cement Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Geng Guoqing is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds concurrent roles as East Asian Regional Convener for RILEM and board member of ACI-Singapore Chapter. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly durability, microstructural characterization, and waste material utilization. Geng earned his PhD from UC Berkeley (2017), followed by postdoctoral research at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland). He has authored over 50 papers and leads multiple projects funded by Singapore’s Ministry of Education, Energy Center, and National Research Foundation. Education: Bachelor of Engineering, Southeast University, China (2010) Master of Science, UC Berkeley, USA (2013) PhD, UC Berkeley, USA (2017) Research interests center on sustainable construction materials, multi-scale characterization, and material durability . Key themes include recycling low-grade materials, mitigating degradation in concrete, and developing high-performance binders like LC3. His work employs advanced techniques like molecular modeling, X-ray diffraction, and NMR. Recent articles explore hydration kinetics, CSH matrix mechanics, and waste clay applications. Awards include the 2023 RILEM Medal and multiple teaching excellence recognitions. Current projects address CO 2 absorption, sustainable cement blends, and resilient façade materials. Professional service includes editorial roles at Cleaner Materials and Frontiers in Materials , plus organizing the 2022 EASEC Conference. His lab focuses on bridging microstructural insights with macro-scale material performance.

• alternative proteins
• food biotechnology
• plant-based hybrid foods
• +5 more

Mehdi Abdollahi is an Associate Professor at Chalmers University of Technology's Department of Food and Nutrition Science. His research focuses on alternative proteins, food biotechnology, and plant-based hybrid foods, with emphasis on sustainable utilization of food side streams, legumes, cereals, and microalgae as future protein sources. Develops pH-shift technology and ultrasound-assisted methods for protein extraction Specializes in hybrid food engineering via fermentation and biorefinery Works on 3D food printing and high-moisture extrusion for food analogs Researches collagen and biobased food packaging materials His work includes >100 peer-reviewed publications, 4 book chapters, and 3 patents. Current projects involve collaborations with Arla Foods, Lantmännen, and Nordic Seafarm, addressing sustainable seafood systems and plant-protein hybridization. 2024 Bertebos Prize recipient 2025: Recognized among Sweden's Top 101 Sustainability Figures Mentors 7 PhD students and 3 postdocs while collaborating with European institutions like Kristianstad University and Ankara University. His group explores biorefinery strategies, hybrid food functionality, and innovative packaging solutions.

Joel WeadgeView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacterial Biofilms
• Bacterial Carbohydrates
• Protein Structure and Function
• +7 more

Joel Weadge is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Wilfrid Laurier University , Waterloo, Ontario. His research focuses on bacterial biofilms, glycobiology, and protein structure-function relationships. Contact: jweadge@wlu.ca , Office: BA425 (Bricker Academic). Education: PhD in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2006) BSc (Hons) in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2000) Research Interests center on bacterial biofilms as virulence factors in pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella . Key areas include: Structural and functional characterization of biofilm proteins (cellulose, curli fimbriae) Enzymology of carbohydrate modifications (acetylation, phosphoethanolamine transfer) Developing therapeutics targeting biofilm synthesis Biopolymer applications for medical/industrial use Publications highlight studies on Pseudomonas and Salmonella biofilm mechanisms, glycosyltransferases, and carbohydrate-active enzymes, with methodologies spanning X-ray crystallography to high-throughput biofilm profiling. Labs and Teams: The Weadge Lab investigates biofilm roles in food/water security and oral health, utilizing enzymology, mass spectrometry, and structural biology. Current members include graduate students, technicians, and research assistants.

C. Perry ChouView profile

Professor

• biochemical engineering
• bioprocessing
• biomanufacturing
• +7 more

C. Perry Chou is a full professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Waterloo, with a cross-appointment in Biology. He holds a BSc and MSc from National Taiwan University and a PhD from Rice University, all in Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on integrating biochemical, genetic, and metabolic engineering strategies to enhance biomanufacturing using microbial cell factories. Key areas include recombinant protein production, microbial biotechnology, and biofuel development. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Rice University (1995) MSc in Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University (1987) BSc in Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University (1984) Research Interests: Dr. Chou’s work spans biochemical engineering, bioprocessing, and metabolic engineering. He develops strategies for microbial strain construction, fermentation optimization, and bioproduct purification. His research bridges fundamental biological sciences with applied engineering to advance biomanufacturing. Publications: His 90+ peer-reviewed articles highlight contributions to strain engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 tools, and microbial production of chemicals like 5-aminolevulinic acid and propionate. Recent trends emphasize nanomaterial applications (e.g., graphene oxide) and sustainable biofuel pathways. Awards: Canada Research Chair (Canada) 1000-talent Award (China) Advising & Grants: Dr. Chou actively mentors graduate students and contributes to editorial roles at journals like Biotechnology Advances and Scientific Reports . He teaches courses such as CHE 161 (Engineering Biology) and CHE 562 (Advanced Bioprocess Engineering). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance bioprocess development, though specific lab names are not explicitly mentioned in the text.

Mohammad PeydayeshView profile

Lecturer

• Soft Matter
• Self-Assembly
• Amyloid Fibrils
• +8 more

Mohammad Peydayesh is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology , ETH Zürich. He works in the Food and Soft Material Laboratory , focusing on sustainable materials derived from food waste and agri-food byproducts. PhD in Chemical Engineering (2018, Iran University of Science and Technology) Postdoctoral Fellow at ETH Zürich under Prof. Dr. Mezzenga Senior Assistant at ETH Zürich since 2021 His research spans soft matter , self-assembly phenomena , and amyloid fibril applications in: Environmental engineering (water purification, heavy metal removal) CO2 conversion and storage Smart packaging and bioplastics development Biorefinery concepts and circular economy Nanomaterials for waste valorization Recent publications highlight trends in amyloid-based hybrid materials for: Metal recovery from e-waste and contaminated water CO2 capture and conversion Bioplastic production from agricultural waste Antiviral and detoxification applications Water desalination and purification Photonic and catalytic materials He contributes to the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials , advancing sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary material science.

• Microbial Biofilms
• Environmental Microbiology
• Antibiofilm Drug Development
• +4 more

Staffan Kjelleberg is a Distinguished University Professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and Director of the Singapore National Biofilm Consortium (SNBC) and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE). He holds previous positions as Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, and has led major research initiatives globally. His academic career spans over four decades, with roles including Head of School at UNSW and Professorships at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Education: BSc (Chemistry and Biology, 1975), PhD (Microbiology, 1981), and Docent (Microbiology, 1983) from the University of Gothenburg. He has authored over 384 journal papers with significant citations, reflecting his leadership in microbial biofilm research. Research focuses on microbial biofilms and microbiomes, addressing environmental sustainability, public health, and industrial applications. He employs an interdisciplinary approach to study biofilm community dynamics, matrix properties, and translational technologies for biofilm control. Key contributions include discoveries on quorum sensing inhibitors, biofilm dispersal mechanisms, and eDNA roles in biofilm structure. Honours include Fellowships from the Australian and American Academies of Microbiology, Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher status, and Editor roles for 15 international journals. He leads major programs like the Marine Climate Change Science initiative and has co-directed global research centers such as the Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation. Advising and grants: While specific student names are not listed, his extensive leadership in research programs indicates mentorship of numerous scholars. His work bridges fundamental and applied microbiology, impacting environmental and biomedical fields. Labs/Teams: Directs SCELSE and SNBC, co-founded the Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, and collaborates internationally on biofilm and microbiome research.

Mark van LoosdrechtView profile

Professor

• Environmental Biotechnology
• Microbial Ecology
• Wastewater Treatment
• +6 more

Mark van Loosdrecht is a Full Professor in Environmental Biotechnology at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), leading the Mark van Loosdrecht Group within the Faculty of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on microbial ecology and innovative wastewater treatment technologies, including biofilm processes, nitrogen/phosphate conversion, and microbial polymer production. He is renowned for developing the Anammox and Nereda technologies, which revolutionize nutrient removal and sludge management in wastewater systems. **Awards & Recognition**: Van Loosdrecht has received prestigious awards such as the Spinoza Award (2014), Stockholm Water Prize (2018), and Lee Kuan Yew Prize (2012). He is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Dutch and U.S. National Academies of Sciences. **Research Interests**: His work emphasizes sustainable water treatment, resource recovery, and microbial process engineering. Key topics include anaerobic digestion, aerobic granular sludge, and bioremediation strategies for industrial and municipal wastewater. **Publications & Impact**: Over 1,400 peer-reviewed publications and contributions to textbooks like Environmental Biotechnology: Principles and Applications . His research bridges fundamental science with practical applications, addressing global challenges in water management and environmental sustainability. **Affiliations**: He chairs the Environmental Biotechnology section at TU Delft and collaborates globally on projects like the ESDIT initiative, exploring ethics in disruptive technologies.

• Soft Matter Physics
• Flexible Electronics
• Sustainable Electronics
• +3 more

Martin Kaltenbrunner is a Professor in the Department of Soft Matter Physics at the Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU). He leads the LIT Soft Materials Lab and is affiliated with the Linz Institute of Technology (LIT), focusing on sustainable material innovations for next-generation electronics. His research spans biodegradable flexible electronics, energy-autonomous systems, and eco-friendly substrates. Key interests include perovskite solar cells for healthcare robotics, mycelium-based electronic skins, and algal polysaccharide conductive nanocomposites. He pioneers sustainable alternatives using organic materials to replace conventional electronics in soft robotics and wearable devices. Recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize circular economy principles, featuring mycelium substrates for PCBs, algae-derived transistors, and passivation techniques for high-efficiency solar cells. The work integrates materials science with environmental sustainability, targeting applications in medical sensors and autonomous robotics. Professor Kaltenbrunner has supervised 18 research works and leads multiple major grants: Personalized Sustainable Smart Patch Omnificence (Persimmon) - EU project (2024-2028) Mycelium-based substrate for sustainable flexible PCBs (MycoSub) - EU project (2024-2025) Intelligent cellulose-based sensors - FFG project (2022-2025) Metasurface Fabrication (META-FAB) - FFG project (2024-2027) Nadelholzreststoffe for mycelium packaging (MycoSoft) - FFG project (2023-2026) He directs the LIT Soft Materials Lab, which develops biodegradable gels, fungal biomaterials, and sawmill byproduct-based insulation. The lab collaborates across JKU's engineering and natural sciences divisions to advance sustainable electronics through interdisciplinary projects like Persimmon and MycoSub, emphasizing real-world deployment of eco-friendly technologies.

• Algae Biotechnology
• Marine Biology
• Seagrass Ecology
• +9 more

Distinguished Professor Peter Ralph is a faculty member at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), holding the position of Professor of Marine Biology within the Faculty of Science and serving as the Executive Director of the Climate Change Cluster (C3). He is also the founder of the NSW Deep Green Biotech Hub and an influential member of global initiatives such as UNESCO’s Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group and the Czech Academy of Sciences’ Global Change Research Centre. Leadership Roles: Director of the Climate Change Cluster, Deputy-Chair of Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences. Research Collaborations: Partnerships with CSIRO, industry, NGOs, and international institutions. Key Contributions: Over 280 publications and $15M+ in research funding. His research focuses on algae-based solutions to climate change and sustainability, including carbon capture, bioplastic production, waste-water remediation, and circular bio-economy models. He explores advanced manufacturing through Industry 4.0 integration and zero-waste bio-refinery approaches, while also advancing algal phenomics using automated high-throughput screening systems. Recent articles highlight innovations in AI-driven biorefinery optimization, microalgal bioprospecting, and mutagenesis techniques for rare earth element extraction. His work bridges environmental science with engineering, addressing challenges in algae cultivation scalability and commercialization. Scientific Awards: 2012 and 2018 UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards. Peter has secured major grants, including the Fermentalg PhD Project on Microalgae Screening, PNG Natural Seafood’s Macroalgae Product Development, and the Winifred Trust Foundation’s Aquaculture initiative. His research teams collaborate across disciplines to transform algae into sustainable resources for food, energy, and biomanufacturing. He leads UTS’s Climate Change Cluster (C3), a hub for interdisciplinary climate research, and actively promotes algae-building technologies and carbon storage innovations through biomasonry products.

Carla VilelaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sustainable Materials
• Cellulose Nanocomposites
• Biopolymers
• +2 more

Dr. Carla Vilela is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aveiro and Principal Researcher at CICECO. She coordinates the Sustainable Materials research line and leads projects on cellulose-based materials and circular economy. Her research focuses on sustainable materials from cellulose and renewable resources for applications in water remediation, food packaging, and textiles. Education includes a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aveiro and postdoctoral work at CICECO and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (UK). Research interests include: Development of cellulose-based functional materials Nanocomposites for biomedical applications Sustainable packaging solutions Biopolymer modification and characterization Publications demonstrate strong focus on cellulose nanocomposites, bioprinting bioinks, and active packaging. Recent articles frequently involve nanocellulose modifications, drug delivery systems, and sustainable material design. Awards include being named among World's Top 2% Scientists annually since 2020. Funding includes national projects (Cell4Janus) and EU collaborations (PRIMA Im-Pack). Leads the BioPol4Fun research group and supervises 6 PhD students. Current projects explore cellulose-based microrobots, resin valorization, and marine biopolymers.

Pedro FardimView profile

Professor

• Chemical Engineering for Human Health
• Biochemical Process Engineering
• Biomass Engineering
• +12 more

Pedro Fardim is a Professor at the KU Leuven , affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering , and leads the Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Technology and Safety (CREaS) division. He also serves as President of EPNOE (European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence) and is a member of multiple institutes including KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI) , Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO) , and Institute for Micro- and Nano-scale Integration (LIMNI) . PhD in Chemistry, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil Habilitation in Chemical Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Finland Pedro’s research focuses on topochemical engineering —mimicking natural bioassembly processes in trees and microorganisms to create sustainable materials and biofabrication technologies . His work spans drug delivery , regenerative medicine , biopolymer engineering , and green chemistry , with applications in pharmaceuticals , cosmetics , and energy . Recent projects include hydrogels for wearable sensors , biohybrid materials for bone tissue engineering , and lignin valorization using hydrotropic solvents. His scientific awards include Fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the International Academy of Wood Science , along with membership in the American Chemical Society . He teaches Chemical Engineering for Human Health , Biochemical Process Engineering , and Biopolymer-based Sustainable Technologies .

Orlando RojasView profile

Professor

• Renewable Materials
• Biopolymers
• Nanocellulose
• +7 more

Orlando Rojas is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding joint appointments in the Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, and Wood Science. He leads the Biobased Colloids and Materials (BiCMat) research group and directs the Bioproducts Institute . His research focuses on sustainable development through renewable materials, including nanopolysaccharides, bacterial nanocellulose, lignins, and multiphase systems. Rojas has advised over 50 PhD students and 40+ MS students, with a h-index of 90 (Google Scholar). Key Roles/Positions : Canada Excellence Research Chair in Renewable Materials Adjunct Professor at NC State University (USA) and Dalian Polytechnic University (China) Director of FinnCERES Flagship (Finland) Research Interests : Development of bio-based materials for energy, healthcare, and environmental applications. Key areas include nanocellulose functionalization, lignin valorization, and bioinspired materials. His work integrates colloidal science, multiphase systems, and sustainable manufacturing. Grants & Awards : ERC Advanced Grant and Horizon H2020 funding 2013 ACS Fellow, 2015 Tappi Nanotechnology Award First Latin-American recipient of the Anselme Payen Award (ACS) Labs & Collaborations : Active partnerships with Aalto University (Finland) and institutions globally. Leads the BiCMat group spanning UBC and FinnCERES, focusing on bio-based materials and sustainable technologies.

Eduardo RochaView profile

Professor

• Microbial Evolutionary Genomics
• Genome Organization
• Mobile Genetic Elements
• +13 more

Eduardo Rocha is a Professor and Head of the Microbial Evolutionary Genomics laboratory at the Institut Pasteur, within the Department of Genomes and Genetics. His research integrates bioinformatics, molecular evolution, and genomics to understand bacterial genome organization and dynamics, particularly focusing on mobile genetic elements and their role in adaptation and antibiotic resistance. His research interests include microbial evolutionary genomics, genome organization, horizontal gene transfer, mobile genetic elements (plasmids, phages, integrons), bacterial pathogen evolution, and computational biology. His work lies at the intersection of molecular evolution, population genetics, and molecular epidemiology, with strong translational implications for understanding antimicrobial resistance and infectious disease emergence. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on mobile genetic elements, genome plasticity, and bacterial adaptation. Key themes include the role of integrons and CRISPR-Cas systems in bacterial immunity, plasmid-mediated spread of antibiotic resistance, phage-plasmid interactions, and the development of bioinformatics tools for microbial genomics. These works frequently appear in high-impact journals such as Science , Nature Microbiology , and PLoS Biology , reflecting significant contributions to the field. Eduardo Rocha leads multiple funded research projects, including ERC-2011-StG EVOMOBILOME, ANR Magisbac, and ANR SHAPE. He has developed and maintains several widely used bioinformatics software tools: IntegronFinder, MacSyFinder, PanACoTA, SatelliteFinder, CapsuleFinder, TXSScan, and others. He mentors a large team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and engineers, and has supervised numerous former students who now hold independent research positions worldwide. Eduardo Rocha has received research funding from major agencies including the European Research Council (ERC) and the French National Research Agency (ANR). His work is central to the LabEx IBEID and the INCEPTION convergence program, where he serves on the steering committee, promoting interdisciplinary research in infectious disease emergence. His laboratory, part of the Genomes and Genetics department, actively contributes to microbial evolutionary genomics through both methodological development and biological discovery. The team participates in networks such as Phages.fr, GDR BIM, and GDR AIEM, reinforcing its collaborative and integrative approach.