Find Academic Supervisors

Lara FerryView profile

Professor

• Functional Morphology
• Aquatic Organisms
• Biomechanics
• +5 more

Lara Ferry is the Vice President of Research at Arizona State University (ASU), holding the title of President’s Professor. She is affiliated with the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, specifically the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, and serves as graduate faculty in the School of Life Sciences. Her roles include advancing research strategies, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and enhancing partnerships with institutions, communities, donors, and industry. Ferry is also a PLuS Alliance Fellow, a Senior Global Futures Scientist at the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, and affiliated with the Biodesign Institute and Global Security Initiative. She holds honors faculty status in ASU’s Barrett Honors College. Her academic background includes a B.S. in Biology from Cal Poly State University, M.S. in Marine Science from San Francisco State University, Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UC Irvine, and postdoctoral work at UC Davis. Her research focuses on functional morphology, particularly the evolution of jaws and skeletal materials in aquatic organisms. She has contributed to understanding prey capture mechanisms in fish and the biomechanics of cartilage in elasmobranchs. Ferry’s awards include the 2016 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award, 2014 Outstanding Research/Creative Activity Award, and the 2018 President’s Professor title. She has led initiatives in equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) and served on boards of professional societies like the American Elasmobranch Society and Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. Her editorial roles include Senior Executive Editor of Functional Ecology and editorial board memberships in journals like Integrative & Comparative Biology . Her research activity spans functional morphology, biomechanics, and marine physiology, with grants focused on interdisciplinary education and diversity in STEM. Notable projects include studies on cartilage strength in sharks and collaborations on cultural change in professional societies.

Stacy FarinaView profile

Associate Professor

• Functional Morphology
• Biomechanics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Stacy Farina is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Howard University, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on functional morphology, biomechanics, and evolutionary biology, particularly in fish systems. She holds a B.S. in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of New Hampshire (2010) and a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University (2015). Her work examines skeletal morphology, respiratory systems, and functional adaptations in diverse fish species, including flatfishes, snailfishes, and elasmobranchs. Recent studies investigate remote research methodologies during the pandemic, deep-sea adaptation, and biomechanical integration in feeding systems. She directs a research lab in Just Hall, Room 410, and maintains a Google Scholar profile. Publications span topics like ventilation mechanics, acoustic signaling evolution, and skeletal density patterns in deep-sea environments. Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining anatomical analysis, computational modeling, and experimental biomechanics. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided texts. She advises no listed students, though her research involves undergraduate participation. Her lab focuses on fish morphology, ecology, and evolutionary processes.

Jens KrauseView profile

Professor

• Behavioural Ecology
• Collective Intelligence
• Social Networks
• +7 more

Jens Krause is a Professor and Head of Department at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, leading the Research Group on Mechanisms and Functions of Group-Living. He holds a full professorship in Fish Ecology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Thaer-Institute, and since 2018 has been an Adjunct Professor at Technical University Berlin within the Excellence Cluster 'Science of Intelligence'. His research is centered on collective intelligence, social networks, decision-making, and behavioural ecology in fish and other animals. Full Professor in Fish Ecology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Adjunct Professor at Technical University Berlin (since 2018) Head of Department, IGB Berlin PhD, University of Cambridge Diploma, Free University Berlin His work integrates experimental biology, network analysis, and biomimetic robotics to understand how animals make collective decisions. His expertise spans animal behaviour, evolution, and ecological physiology, with a strong focus on group-living dynamics. Recent research explores group hunting, predator evasion, social foraging, and the impact of environmental stressors on collective behaviour. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend in understanding collective behaviour in fish, including escape waves, social foraging, group hunting in marlins and sailfish, and the use of robotic agents to study social integration. His interdisciplinary approach combines marine biology, physics, robotics, and data science to uncover the mechanisms behind collective intelligence in both animal and human systems. Editorial Board, Behavioral Ecology Editorial Board, Fish and Fisheries Executive Board, Excellence Cluster 'Science of Intelligence' Advisory Board, Bimini Biological Field Station Foundation He advises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and leads major research projects, including 'Developing exploration behaviour' funded by the Excellence Cluster. His work has been supported by extensive collaborations across Europe and North America, and he frequently publishes in top-tier journals such as Nature , Science Advances , Proceedings of the Royal Society , and Current Biology . His lab employs cutting-edge methods including automated tracking, social network analysis, and interactive robotics to study animal groups. His research group, 'Mechanisms and Functions of Group-Living', is embedded within the Excellence Cluster 'Science of Intelligence', where they investigate collective cognition, social information use, and the role of individual differences in group performance. The team combines field studies with laboratory experiments and computational modelling to understand the evolution and function of collective behaviour across species.

Kelly SutherlandView profile

Professor

• Ecology
• Evolution
• Marine Biology
• +5 more

Kelly Sutherland is a Professor of Biology at the University of Oregon , affiliated with both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) in Charleston. She holds a Ph.D. from MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009), an M.S. from the University of South Alabama (2004), and a B.S. from Tufts University (1999). Her research bridges biology and physics, focusing on biomechanics and fluid-environment interactions in marine organisms, particularly gelatinous zooplankton. Education: B.S., Tufts University (1999) M.S., University of South Alabama (2004) Ph.D., MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009) Sutherland’s lab investigates ecological and evolutionary roles of gelatinous plankton, which are understudied yet critical to marine food webs. Her work emphasizes predator-prey dynamics , multi-jet propulsion , and microbial-grazing interactions , employing in situ video, kinematic analysis, and flow visualization. Recent studies explore colonial salp swimming efficiency, appendicularian particle selection, and ctenophore ecological impacts in open oceanic ecosystems. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight Salp colonial architecture , multi-jet propulsion , microbial prey dynamics , particle surface properties , and hydrodynamic advantages in pelagic organisms . Collaborative themes span biomechanics , ecosystem impacts , and evolutionary adaptations . Advising & Outreach: Dr. Sutherland mentors undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students at both the Eugene campus and OIMB, with lab opportunities in lab/field studies and summer research. She encourages external funding applications and collaborates with environmental studies programs. Outreach includes partnerships with journalists, filmmakers, and artists to communicate science to broader audiences.

• Spatial Analysis
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Environmental Management
• +5 more

Colin John McClean is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York , with over 25 years of experience in spatial analysis and GIS applications for environmental management. His career spans post-doctoral research at Cardiff and Newcastle, followed by academic roles at York since 1996. Education: BSc in Geography from the University of Edinburgh (1986); PhD in Geography from Durham University (1991). McClean’s research focuses on leveraging spatial datasets to address conservation ecology, climate change impacts on biodiversity, and land use modeling. He has pioneered work using machine learning methods like genetic algorithms and simulated annealing for reserve selection, with applications in the Sahel region (e.g., Shea Tree climate modeling) and marine conservation. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary themes, including urban green-blue spaces and health , tropical peatland restoration , and oil palm sustainability . His work has been funded by NERC, Defra, EU, and the Darwin Initiative, often involving cross-institutional collaborations. He supervises PhD students in topics such as water chemistry prediction , soil nitrogen dynamics , and protected area effectiveness under climate change . No scientific awards are documented, but his research on climate change impacts has influenced major reports like the Stern Review and the 2007 IPCC assessment.

• Marine Ecology
• Fisheries Management
• Invasive Species Impact
• +3 more

Dr. Mark A. Albins is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of South Alabama's Stokes School of Marine & Environmental Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from Oregon State University (2012). His research focuses on marine-fish ecology, experimental design, and applied statistics, with an emphasis on addressing management-relevant questions. Specific interests include invasive species impacts, coral reef dynamics, and fisheries management. Current projects include studying Greater Amberjack abundance and movement in U.S. waters. He has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications since 2007, often examining lionfish invasions and their ecological consequences. Key collaborations involve NOAA, Sea Grant, and NMFS. Educational Background: Ph.D. (Marine Ecology, Oregon State University, 2012). Research has been funded by agencies such as NOAA and Sea Grant, focusing on ecosystem goods and services. His work bridges ecological theory with applied field studies. Notable research trends include invasive species management, coral reef biodiversity, and predator-prey interactions. He has investigated lionfish behavior, diet shifts in native species due to invasions, and fisheries exploitation rates. His recent work (2023) explores oyster survival influenced by predatory fish. Grants and Advising: Current projects include a Sea Grant-funded study on Greater Amberjack. Advising is focused on graduate students in marine ecology and fisheries management contexts. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Stokes School of Marine & Environmental Sciences, collaborating on coral reef and fisheries projects. His research often involves fieldwork in the Gulf of Mexico and Bahamas.

Meghan BrownView profile

Professor

• Aquatic Ecology
• Invasion Biology
• Paleolimnology
• +7 more

Meghan Brown is a Professor of Biology and Chair of Aquatic Science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS), where she has been a faculty member since 2006. Her research focuses on aquatic ecology, invasion biology, and paleolimnology, with fieldwork spanning the Finger Lakes, Lake Superior, Lago Maggiore (Italy), and the Caribbean islands. She employs interdisciplinary methods including sediment core analysis, field observations, and modeling to study invasive species dynamics. Education: Ph.D., University of Minnesota M.S., University of Minnesota B.S., University of Michigan Her research interests center on understanding how non-native species establish in ecosystems and alter ecological processes, particularly in lakes and island communities. She investigates the impacts of invasive zooplankton such as the spiny waterflea, fishhook waterflea, and bloody red shrimp, focusing on their interactions with native species, dormancy strategies, and role in biomagnification of pollutants like mercury. Her work integrates ecological theory with real-world management applications, especially regarding prevention of species spread through boating and tourism. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in studying invasive species' ecological impacts using both contemporary and historical data. She frequently employs paleolimnology to reconstruct long-term environmental changes and combines this with behavioral and physiological studies. Her work increasingly incorporates human dimensions, such as tourism-driven plant invasions in the Caribbean and community perspectives on water quality in Guatemala. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Fulbright Research Scholar Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad Program Co-Director Principal Investigator, National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program Recipient of grants from the Great Lakes Protection Fund and US Fish and Wildlife Service Co-Principal Investigator, New York Six Liberal Arts Consortium, Mellon Foundation Meghan Brown is a dedicated mentor, having supervised numerous undergraduate research projects in ecology and environmental studies. Her advising spans topics from leaf decomposition to eDNA detection of invasive species. She is actively involved in science communication and policy outreach, advocating for 'Clean, Drain, and Dry' practices to prevent species spread. She also contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives, including collaborations with fiction writers to create scientifically accurate ecological worlds, such as in Jeff VanderMeer’s novel Hummingbird Salamander . Laboratories and Research Teams: She leads a vibrant research lab at HWS involving undergraduate students and collaborators from multiple institutions. Her team uses field sampling, laboratory experiments, and data modeling to investigate ecological questions. She is part of the Finger Lakes Institute and collaborates with scientists across the US and internationally, including in Italy and Cuba.

Brad GemmellView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Fluid Dynamics
• Animal Behavior
• +5 more

Brad Gemmell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida (USF), within the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on marine ecology, fluid dynamics, and animal behavior, particularly investigating how organisms interact with fluid environments. He employs advanced imaging techniques like particle image velocimetry and holographic cinematography to study predator-prey dynamics, environmental pollutant impacts, and bio-inspired design principles. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science (University of Texas, Austin, 2011); B.S. in Biology (University of Victoria, 2006). Research Interests: Gemmell explores fluid-organism interactions, evolutionary arms races between predators and prey, and the ecological consequences of marine pollutants such as oil spills. His work bridges biology and physics, with a focus on jellyfish propulsion, ctenophore predation, and the hydrodynamics of swimming in marine organisms. Lab and Collaborations: The Gemmell Lab develops biohybrid robotic jellyfish and examines the role of marine organisms in ecosystem processes. Current projects include studies on salp colony locomotion, shark scale bristling, and the ecological impacts of gelatinous zooplankton. Advising and Grants: Gemmell actively mentors graduate students and has secured grants for research on ctenophore predation, marine fluid mechanics, and bio-inspired engineering. He is currently accepting graduate students for collaborative projects.

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Population Dynamics
• Color Polymorphism
• +7 more

Anders Forsman is a Professor in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science at Linnaeus University's Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. He serves as the subject coordinator for doctoral education in Ecology, demonstrating his leadership role in academic training. His research spans evolutionary ecology, population dynamics, and conservation biology with a focus on understanding how evolutionary processes contribute to biodiversity across various taxa including insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals. Forsman's research interests center on evolutionary processes that generate diversity in form, color, function, and behavior among living organisms. He investigates how individual variation in functionally important traits affects ecological success of populations and species in changing environments. His work combines behavioral studies, experiments, genetic markers, and theoretical modeling to address fundamental biological questions with applications for conservation biology and sustainable resource management. His research has significant implications for developing more sustainable agricultural, fishing, and forestry practices in the face of climate change. Analysis of Forsman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts across multiple ecosystems. His work spans terrestrial systems (oak forests, moth populations), freshwater environments (riverine fish, pike ecology), and marine contexts (Baltic Sea microbiomes). A recurring theme is examining how biodiversity responds to environmental stressors, with particular attention to spatial patterns, adaptive capacity, and conservation implications. His methodological approach integrates field observations, experimental manipulations, and molecular techniques to provide comprehensive insights into ecological and evolutionary processes. Forsman leads multiple research initiatives including the Evolutionary Ecology group, Fish Ecology research focusing on Baltic coastal predatory fish, and the Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS). His current projects address critical environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, adaptation of forest ecosystems to changing conditions, and effects of river fragmentation on fish populations. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous co-authored publications across diverse ecological topics, demonstrating his ability to bridge disciplinary boundaries to address complex environmental questions.

• Biomechanics of Animal Locomotion
• Biomimetic Robotics
• Comparative Physiology
• +1 more

Henry Astley is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Polymer Science at the University of Akron, with joint affiliation to the Biomimicry Research & Innovation Center (BRIC). His research integrates biology and physics to study locomotion biomechanics across diverse organisms including snakes, frogs, and early tetrapods. Dr. Astley employs motion capture, robotics, and computational modeling to investigate how morphology, neuromuscular control, and environmental interactions enable movement. His work has significant applications in biomimetic robotics, particularly for extraterrestrial exploration and underwater mobility. Recent publications demonstrate advances in understanding undulatory motion, muscle-tendon dynamics, and terrain adaptation strategies. His laboratory develops innovative instrumentation like underwater force plates and utilizes robotics to test biological hypotheses. Funded by NSF CAREER and other grants, his research program trains students in interdisciplinary approaches to organismal biomechanics.

John J. Hutchens Jr.View profile

Professor

• Aquatic Ecology
• Stream and Wetland Ecosystems
• Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ecology
• +5 more

John J. Hutchens Jr. is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at Coastal Carolina University. His research focuses on aquatic and wetland ecosystems, particularly examining how human activities affect benthic macroinvertebrate communities and ecosystem processes. Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Georgia M.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech Dr. Hutchens' work spans stream and wetland ecology, with specific interests in: Human impacts on aquatic systems Benthic macroinvertebrate ecology Leaf litter decomposition dynamics Carnivorous plant prey interactions Terrestrial-aquatic linkages Ecological restoration methodologies Recent publications reveal trends in freshwater conservation, with studies on: Age-0 fish distribution in habitat restoration Drought effects on wetland macroconsumers Standardized river bioassessment protocols Shoreline development impacts on marshes Invasive species dynamics in aquatic habitats Methodological advances in stream organic matter analysis Dr. Hutchens has held academic positions at Coastal Carolina University since 1989, including: Professor (current) Associate Professor Assistant Professor Postdoctoral research at EPA and Natural Resources Research Institute

Florian EngertView profile

Professor

• Movement Behavior
• Circuit Function
• Circuit Structure
• +5 more

Florian Engert serves as Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University, leading an active neuroscience laboratory focused on understanding neural circuit function using larval zebrafish as a model organism. His research program investigates how biological structures produce complex behaviors through comprehensive analysis of simple neural circuits. Engert teaches multiple advanced neuroscience courses including MCB 105 (Systems Neuroscience), MCB 366 (Synaptic Plasticity and Neuronal Networks), and specialized seminars on conscious perceptual experience. His primary research interests encompass: Movement Behavior and neural circuit dynamics Circuit Function and organization in the vertebrate brain Circuit Structure and connectivity patterns Systems neuroscience approaches to behavior Synaptic plasticity mechanisms Engert's laboratory employs cutting-edge methodologies including two-photon microscopy, calcium imaging, voltage imaging, and sophisticated behavioral assays to monitor neural activity throughout the brain during various behaviors in awake, intact zebrafish preparations. His team has developed quantitative learning assays and tools for in vivo monitoring and manipulation of neural activity during complex behaviors. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward understanding how neural circuits control behavior across multiple domains - from visually evoked escape responses and habituation to social interactions and decision-making processes. His 2024-2025 work shows increasing focus on astroglial signaling mechanisms, neuromodulation by norepinephrine, and pharmacological effects on neural circuits. Breakthrough of the year in neurosciences by Science magazine (1999) Extensive publication record in top journals including Nature, Science, and Neuron Recent perspective in Nature Neuroscience Reviews challenging traditional views of learning and memory Dr. Engert actively mentors a diverse research team including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students. His laboratory includes graduate student Alex Chen, clinician-scientist postdoc Farhana Akter, and several specialized student teams. Notably, Mariela Petkova leads the SCION (Summer Connectomics Internship for Outreach Neuroscience) program focused on fish connectomics. Other team members include Joana Avrami studying integration and decision making, Alina Hebling (visiting Master's student from Germany), Morgan Phillips (research fellow), and Hillary Jean-Gilles examining social interactions. Outside academia, Engert recently participated in the Clipper Around the World Race during 2023-2024, demonstrating his adventurous spirit through competitive sailing while maintaining laboratory operations through administrative support from Entela Nako.

Stephan LautenschlagerView profile

Associate Professor

• Paleontology
• Functional Morphology
• Biomechanics
• +3 more

Stephan Lautenschlager is an Associate Professor in Palaeobiology at the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on functional morphology and biomechanical analysis of extinct vertebrates, applying computational techniques to restore fossil morphology and reconstruct biological functions. He specializes in dinosaurs, birds, crocodiles, and mammals, with projects including the evolution of herbivory in archosaurs and brain morphology in vertebrates. Education: Diploma in Geology/Palaeontology (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich) PhD in Palaeontology (University of Bristol) Research Interests: Stephan’s work integrates digital restoration, biomechanical modeling (FEA/MDA), and CT scanning to investigate form-function relationships in fossils. Key areas include fossil soft-tissue reconstruction, evolutionary biomechanics, and computational paleontology. His research highlights how computational methods bridge gaps in understanding extinct organisms’ behavior and ecology. Publications: Recent work includes studies on stem gnathostomes, saber-toothed predators, and dinosaur visual capabilities. These contributions underscore the application of advanced digital tools to address evolutionary and ecological questions in vertebrate paleontology. Advising & Grants: While specific grants are not detailed, his postdoctoral research at Bristol (2013–2016) and prior roles reflect engagement with funded projects. He advises students on computational and morphological research in palaeobiology. Labs/Teams: Active within the School’s Palaeobiology and Earth Sciences research groups, contributing to interdisciplinary projects on vertebrate evolution and fossil reconstruction.

David ChristensenView profile

Professor

• Freshwater ecology
• Conservation biology
• Aquatic trophic interactions
• +4 more

David Christensen is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Westfield State University, where he has taught since 2008. His teaching philosophy emphasizes multimodal learning approaches, integrating visual, auditory, repetitive, and hands-on methods to accommodate diverse student needs. He holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University, following an M.S. and B.S. from Washington State and University of Idaho respectively. His research spans freshwater ecology and conservation biology, focusing on aquatic trophic interactions, fish dietary niche analysis, trout habitat assessment, fishery management, and urban pond ecosystems. Christensen's work often combines stable isotope analysis with ecological modeling to understand aquatic community dynamics. Christensen's publications reflect his expertise in lake management and fish ecological studies. He has advised students in habitat assessment research and contributed to practical ecological methodologies in undergraduate education. While no scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text, his work with the Colville Confederated Tribes demonstrates commitment to community-based conservation initiatives.

• Environmental Toxicology
• Detoxification Pathways
• Biomarkers
• +4 more

Dr. Peter van den Hurk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University's College of Science, where he also serves as Program Coordinator for the Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology. His laboratories are located in Jordan Hall 224/225, and his office in Long Hall 237. With a career spanning environmental consulting, academic research, and toxicology education, he investigates detoxification mechanisms in animals exposed to environmental contaminants. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science, College of William & Mary (1998) M.S. in Zoology/Marine Biology, University of Amsterdam (1988) B.S. in Geology and B.S. in Biology, State University Groningen (1983) Research Focus: Dr. van den Hurk explores how animals process environmental toxins through evolved detoxification pathways, with emphasis on liver functions and bile-mediated excretion. His current projects include: tire wear particle toxicity in estuarine species, acetaminophen effects in reptiles/birds, and bioremediation of microplastics using floating treatment wetlands. His work employs biomarkers to assess toxicant exposure and evolutionary adaptations across species. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2017-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on emerging contaminants like microplastics and nanoparticles, phylogenetic comparisons of detoxification mechanisms, and biomarker development in aquatic species. His research bridges field studies (e.g., river pollution assessments) with laboratory investigations of biochemical pathways. Academic Service: Dr. van den Hurk actively reviews for toxicology journals and NSF/NIH grant panels. As Associate Member of the Graduate Faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina, he extends his collaborative network. He mentors students through undergraduate research courses and creative inquiry projects. Teaching: Courses include Principles of Toxicology (ETOX 4300/6300), Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology (ETOX 4370/6370), Biomarkers in Environmental Toxicology (ETOX 8310/8311), and specialized seminars/labs focusing on wildlife pharmaco-toxicology.