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Alfredo VizziniView profile

Associate Professor

• Mycology
• Fungal Taxonomy
• Systematic Botany
• +4 more

Alfredo Vizzini is an Associate Professor at the University of Turin , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology . His work spans systematic botany, fungal taxonomy, and molecular phylogenetics, with a focus on Agaricales and Boletaceae families. He teaches courses such as Systematic Botany and Mycology , contributing to both academic and applied research. Research Interests : Vizzini specializes in fungal biodiversity, particularly ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic species. His studies integrate morphological and molecular data (e.g., ITS-LSU sequences) to resolve phylogenetic relationships and describe novel taxa. Key areas include Basidiomycota systematics, adaptation to extreme environments, and invasive fungal species' impact on native ecosystems. Article Trends : His publications (2008–2017) emphasize fungal taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ecological interactions. Notable themes include the discovery of Alpova komoviana , revisions in Leucopaxillus , and investigations into mycobiomes using 454 pyrosequencing. Collaborative projects like DEFINE and CAVELAB highlight his interdisciplinary approach. Labs and Teams : Vizzini collaborates on projects such as DEFINE (exotic pathogens), CAVELAB (cave ecosystems), and DISCOVERING MARINE MYCOBIOTA (marine fungi), working with international teams in Europe and beyond. His lab focuses on fungal interactions in forests, seagrass, and extreme environments.

• Applied Statistics
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Medical Statistics
• +7 more

Professor Paul White is a distinguished academic at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), serving as Professor of Applied Statistics within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology's Department of Engineering, Design and Mathematics. His work focuses on applying statistical methods to benefit society (ASBOS), with particular emphasis on collaborative research across UWE's applied and life sciences departments and with the National Health Service (NHS). Dr. White holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD, though specific institutions are not mentioned in the provided text. His academic journey has established him as a leading figure in applied statistics education and research methodology. Professor White's research spans multiple domains of applied statistics, with particular expertise in quantitative research methods, research methodology, sample size determination, and the design and analysis of experiments. He maintains a strong ethical focus in quantitative research while applying his skills to medical statistics and multivariate statistics. His work often intersects with healthcare applications, as evidenced by his involvement in clinical trials and medical research collaborations. A notable initiative he co-founded is the DARK ARTS (Design And Research Knowledge for Analysis of Randomised Trials) group, which focuses on advancing methodologies for randomized trials. His extensive publication record shows a clear trend toward interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in healthcare applications of statistics. The most recent articles demonstrate expertise in clinical trials methodology, medical statistics, and psychological interventions. Many publications involve randomized controlled trials across diverse areas including eating disorders, body image interventions, respiratory medicine, oncology, and obstetrics. This reflects his commitment to 'Applying Statistics for the Benefit of Society' (ASBOS) through rigorous quantitative methods. Professor White is actively involved in mentoring students and colleagues, describing himself as 'a willing coach or mentor.' His teaching portfolio is diverse, including courses on 'GANSTA's' (Good At Numbers and STAts) for mathematics students, quantitative methods for healthcare programs, and professional development courses through the UWE Graduate School. He expresses particular interest in developing new statistical techniques using stochastic simulation and welcomes potential PhD students to collaborate on these research programs. Among his collaborative efforts, the DARK ARTS initiative stands out as a significant research group focused on randomized trials methodology. This team, which includes Dr. Caterina Gentili, Dr. Jason Anquandah, and Dr. Deirdre Toher, represents a concentrated effort to advance statistical approaches to clinical research design and analysis.

Erin PerryView profile

Professor

• Canine Health
• Canine Performance
• Equine Nutrition
• +6 more

Dr. Erin Perry is a tenured Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Southern Illinois University's College of Agriculture. She holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Missouri – Columbia, transitioning to academia after a stint at Purina Animal Nutrition. Canine Decontamination Protocols Equine Gut Microbiota Stability Stress Physiology in Working Dogs and Horses Her research spans two primary domains: working canine health and performance (including roles in FEMA, DoD forums, and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Review Panel) and equine nutrition (focusing on flavor preferences, feeding behaviors, and microbiota dynamics. Key keywords include metagenomics, probiotics, and microbial ecology. 2017: Helicopter travel stress in canines 2017: Equine cecal microbiota response to feeding practices 2010: Beef production in silvopastures Dr. Perry's publications reflect a dual expertise in canine operational health (decontamination, travel stress) and equine nutritional science (flavor preferences, hindgut microbiome, air quality impacts). She teaches courses such as ANS 419 Equine Science Management and ANS 481 Topics in Companion Animal Nutrition.

Jianjun HaoView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Plant Disease Management
• Biological Control
• +3 more

Jianjun (Jay) Hao is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology in the School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine. He specializes in plant disease epidemiology, biological control strategies, and soil microbial community dynamics. His research focuses on managing plant pathogens through non-chemical methods, fungicide resistance, and understanding molecular interactions between pathogens and hosts. Dr. Hao holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis (2000). His research interests include taxonomy of soilborne pathogens, enhancing crop health via microbial communities, and developing biomaterials for disease control. Key areas of study involve the mechanisms of cell-cell communication among pathogens and their ecological impacts. His work spans diverse pathogens such as Fusarium , Pythium , and Phytophthora , with applications in crops like potatoes, carrots, and soybeans. Recent studies emphasize fungicide efficacy, soil amendment effects on productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Hao has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications since 2003, focusing on disease management, microbial interactions, and pathogen resistance. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. His advising and grant activities remain unspecified, though his research collaborations include institutions such as Michigan State University and the University of California. He is affiliated with labs and teams investigating soilborne diseases and microbial solutions to agricultural challenges.

Kuppareddi BalamuruganView profile

Associate Professor

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Population Genetics
• +3 more

Dr. Kuppareddi Balamurugan is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, affiliated with the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security. He holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Madras (1993) and completed postdoctoral research at the Miami Children’s Hospital, where he contributed to cloning the Aspartoacylase gene linked to Canavan disease. His expertise spans molecular biology, population genetics, and forensic DNA technology. Education: Ph.D. in Human Genetics, University of Madras, 1993 M.S., University of Madras, 1981 B.S., University of Madras, 1979 Research focuses on forensic genetics, polymorphic DNA markers for human identification, and molecular biology. He has co-led three NIJ/DOJ grants and teaches courses like Forensic DNA Technology and Forensic Science Policies. His recent publications address DNA methylation applications in forensic analysis and age estimation. Advising/Grants: Co-Principal Investigator in three NIJ/DOJ grants No formally listed advisees Labs/Teams:曾 worked as a Forensic DNA analyst and technical manager in forensic laboratories, contributing to DNA analysis protocols and quality assurance.

Kalpalatha MelmaieeView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Science
• Genetic Research
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• +3 more

Kalpalatha Melmaiee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University's College of Ag & Related Science. Her work focuses on plant stress tolerance, molecular marker development, and crop genetic improvement. She has secured significant grants, including a $599,905 USDA grant (2020) to study gray mold resistance in strawberries and a $149,000 grant (2012) for an on-farm training program. Her research spans blueberries, strawberries, rice, and common beans, utilizing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, transcriptomic analysis, and SSR marker development. 2020 : Faculty Excellence Award Her publications highlight advancements in drought tolerance mechanisms, fungal resistance, and epigenetic regulation across multiple crops. She also contributes to teaching and student engagement through field-based agricultural programs.

• Soil Biology
• Microbial Ecology
• Virology
• +4 more

Dr. Andriy Podolyan is a Senior Research Officer in the Department of Soil & Physical Sciences at Lincoln University, New Zealand. His research focuses on microbial ecology in agricultural and natural environments, particularly examining soil microorganisms' roles in climate change and developing mitigation strategies for agricultural pollution. With expertise spanning microbial ecology, virology, and environmental science, he investigates nitrifiers, denitrifiers, and microbial interactions with plants and viruses. Education: PhD, Lincoln University, New Zealand Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science, Lincoln University, New Zealand MAgSc, Odessa State Agrarian University, Ukraine BAgrSc, Odessa State Institute of Agriculture, Ukraine Research Focus: Dr. Podolyan's work centers on soil microbial communities' responses to environmental stressors, nitrogen cycling dynamics, and climate change impacts. He develops practical solutions for reducing nitrate leaching and N₂O emissions in intensive agriculture, with recent emphasis on comammox Nitrospira ecology and inhibitor technologies. Publications: His 41 publications consistently address microbial responses to agricultural practices, climate variables, and mitigation strategies. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on comammox bacteria, soil moisture-pH interactions, and inhibitor efficacy, reflecting applied research for sustainable agriculture. Professional Contributions: Committee Member: AGLS Faculty Land Research Group (2021-present) Journal Reviewer: Scientific Reports, Applied Soil Ecology, Biology and Fertility of Soils, New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research Supervision: Currently advising a postgraduate project on comammox Nitrospira ecology in New Zealand soils (completion: 2025).

• Ancient DNA
• Human Evolution
• Population Genomics
• +3 more

Hanna Edlund is a Visiting Researcher at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology, specializing in ancient DNA analysis and human evolutionary studies. Her work bridges genetics, anthropology, and archaeology to investigate prehistoric population dynamics, migration patterns, and social structures through genomic evidence from ancient human remains. Her research interests center on Ancient DNA, Human Evolution, and Population Genomics, with significant contributions to Forensic Genetics and Anthropology. She employs advanced genomic techniques to analyze skeletal remains across diverse geographical contexts including Europe, Africa, and Asia, focusing on hunter-gatherer societies, indigenous population histories, and archaic human ancestry. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to ancient DNA, particularly examining European hunter-gatherers, Southeast Asian migrations, and African prehistory. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals like PNAS and Current Biology, demonstrating expertise in reconstructing population histories through genomic evidence while addressing methodological challenges in ancient DNA analysis.

Tonia S. SchwartzView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolution of Molecular Stress Response Networks
• Maternal Effects
• Epigenetics
• +12 more

Tonia S. Schwartz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, within the College of Science and Mathematics. Her research integrates genomics, physiology, and ecology to study molecular stress response networks, aging, and life history evolution in natural populations of reptiles, birds, and Daphnia. She leads an active research lab with postdocs, PhD and MS students, and undergraduate researchers. Education: Post-doctoral Fellow in Complexity Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2013–2015 Ph.D. in Genetics, Iowa State University, 2012 M.S. in Zoology, University of South Florida, 2003 B.S. in Zoology, Iowa State University, 1998 Her research interests include the evolution of the Insulin and Insulin-like Signaling (IIS) pathway, epigenetics, mitochondrial energetics, and conservation genetics. She investigates how environmental stressors regulate life history traits like reproduction and longevity, bridging evolutionary biology and biomedical research. Her work often involves field studies, molecular lab work, and computational analysis of genomic data. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on stress response networks, aging, and molecular evolution across diverse taxa. Key themes include sexual dimorphism in aging, island dwarfism, mitochondrial function, and the genetic basis of life history trade-offs. Her work frequently employs non-traditional model organisms such as lizards and reptiles to uncover evolutionary mechanisms relevant to human health and conservation. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Schwartz actively mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers and has secured external funding, including an NIH R15 grant for her Aging Anole Project. She collaborates with researchers across institutions and is involved in conservation initiatives such as the gopher tortoise head-start program. Her lab emphasizes inclusivity, open science, and training the next generation of scientists. The Schwartz Lab maintains active research teams working on projects such as the Aging Anoles Project (NIH-funded), Stress: Damage-Fitness Project (NSF-funded), and the Channel Island Dwarf Reptiles Project. The lab develops molecular resources for non-model organisms and integrates field, lab, and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in functional and ecological genomics.

Roger E. BumgarnerView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Infectious Disease
• +5 more

Roger E. Bumgarner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington, with an affiliate appointment in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. His research focuses on developing bioinformatics tools and applying genomics technologies to study infectious disease dynamics, particularly in oral and orthopedic contexts. Primary Research: Comparative genomics of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Propionibacterium infections in dental and prosthetic implant settings Key Techniques: Bioinformatics, phylogenetic analysis, and high-throughput sequencing Clinical Impact: Understanding bacterial pathogenicity, biofilm formation, and infection prevention strategies in orthopedic surgery Recent studies explore HIV breakthrough virus populations, orthopedic infection mechanisms, and bioinformatics tool development. Full details available via his lab website and publications.

• Nanoporous Materials Synthesis
• Environmental Remediation
• Energy Storage Technologies
• +4 more

Dr. Kavitha Ramadass is a Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle's School of Engineering, affiliated with the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN). Her career includes roles at the University of South Australia, where she contributed to bioremediation and nanomaterial research. She holds a PhD in Ecotoxicology and Bioremediation from the University of South Australia and advanced degrees from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Her research focuses on nanoporous materials for CO 2 conversion, energy storage, environmental remediation, and waste valorization. Key projects include developing carbon nitride nanostructures for hydrogen production and mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy. She explores applications in pollution control, including plastic recycling risks and PFAS mitigation in biowastes. Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, with contributions to 76+ publications. Research highlights include CO 2 capture materials, photocatalytic water splitting, and functionalized carbons for hybrid ion capacitors. Current efforts emphasize sustainable nanomaterials for environmental and energy challenges.

Yongke LuView profile

Associate Professor

• Alcohol-associated Fatty Liver Disease
• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
• Oxidative Stress
• +3 more

Dr. Yongke Lu is an Associate Professor at Marshall University's Department of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on alcohol-associated fatty liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with emphasis on CYP2A5 metabolism, oxidative stress mechanisms, and PPARα pathways. Key investigations examine the protective role of CYP2A5 against liver injury, nicotine-enhanced ALD mechanisms, and the development of novel fibrosis models using CYP2A5/PPARα-deficient mice. Recent work explores peroxisome proliferation's role in ethanol metabolism and FGF21 signaling in adipose-liver interactions. Methodologies incorporate molecular biology techniques, genetically modified mouse models, and metabolic pathway analysis. Published in journals including Hepatology, American Journal of Physiology, and Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

• Environmental Botany
• Applied Botany
• Fungal Ecology
• +7 more

Mariangela Girlanda is an Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology at the University of Turin, specializing in environmental and applied botany (SSD: BIO/03). Her work focuses on fungal ecology, biodeterioration of cultural heritage, and plant-microbe interactions. Dr. Girlanda's research interests span environmental botany, applied botany, fungal ecology, and cultural heritage conservation. She investigates microbial diversity in various contexts, with particular emphasis on: Fungal communities in soil ecosystems and their spatial distribution patterns Plant-microbe interactions, particularly mycorrhizal associations with orchids Biodeterioration processes affecting cultural heritage materials Bioremediation potential of plant-fungal systems for polluted sites Her publication record demonstrates consistent research activity over the past two decades, with recent work focusing on: Advanced molecular techniques for fungal community analysis (e.g., 454 pyrosequencing) Application of biological diagnostics to support cultural heritage conservation Understanding spatial patterns in fungal assemblages across diverse ecosystems Investigating the core mycobiome in geographically distant soil samples Dr. Girlanda teaches across multiple academic programs at the University of Turin: Master's degree in Biological Sciences of the Environment Master's degree in Chemical Clinical, Forensic and Sports Chemistry Degree in Biological Sciences Master's degree in Health Prevention Sciences Her courses cover topics including: Environmental and Vegetation Science Diagnostic Approaches for Biodeterioration Control Applied Plant and Microbial Biology to Cultural Heritage Vegetal and Microbial Diversity Ecology of Biodeterioration and Conservation Methods Dr. Girlanda is actively involved in university governance as a member of the Department Council and the Orientation and Tutoring Commission, demonstrating her commitment to academic service and student support.

Lily Novak FrazerView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Medical Mycology
• Fungal Biofilms
• Molecular Diagnostics
• +6 more

Lily Novak Frazer is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics at The University of Manchester and serves as Senior Molecular Scientist at the Mycology Reference Centre Manchester (MRCM) located at MFT Wythenshawe Hospital. In her diagnostic role, she develops and implements molecular tools for fungal infection detection as part of a UK-wide service, having implemented an Aspergillus PCR for aspergillosis detection (2017) and a pyrosequencing assay for triazole resistance testing (2018). Her educational background includes a Doctor of Science from The University of Manchester (1996), a Master in Science from the University of Toronto (1990), and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto (1988). She pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester before joining Dr. Riina Richardson's laboratory at Wythenshawe Hospital where she has focused on medical mycology. Dr. Novak Frazer's research centers on fungal pathogenesis with particular expertise in Candida albicans biofilms and their potential carcinogenicity through acetaldehyde production, Aspergillus fumigatus resistance mechanisms, and the development of novel diagnostic platforms. Her work spans molecular diagnostics using PCR, pyrosequencing, and MALDI-TOF for fungal identification, with applications in wound, vaginitis, and cystic fibrosis models. Her research fingerprint demonstrates strong expertise in Biofilm (100%), Aspergillus (90%), Aspergillus fumigatus (86%), and Candida Albicans (77%). Her recent publications (2020-2024) reveal a consistent focus on improving diagnostic accuracy for fungal infections, understanding resistance patterns in Aspergillus fumigatus, and developing novel mycobiome-based diagnostic approaches that advance clinical mycology practice. British Society of Medical Mycology European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases International Society for Human and Animal Mycology She has substantial teaching experience, having coordinated the MSc Medical Mycology programme (2013-17), and currently serves as Deputy Director of the MRes Infection Biology programme and coordinator of the Immune responses unit in the Clinical Immunology Masters programme. Her teaching spans undergraduate microbiology tutorials, dental school problem-based learning, and multiple postgraduate programs in infection biology and medical microbiology, with supervisory responsibilities for PhD students in Biological Sciences and Dentistry. Her collaborative network includes Dr. Riina Richardson, Prof. David Denning, Dr. Paul Bowyer (Manchester Fungal Infection Group), Prof. Malcolm Richardson, and international colleagues such as Dr. Mikko Nieminen from Finland.

• Human Evolution
• Exercise Physiology
• Quantitative Genetics
• +4 more

Melissa A. Ilardo serves as Assistant Professor in Biomedical Informatics at the University of Utah with an adjunct appointment in Human Genetics, leading the Ilardo Lab focused on evolutionary genomics and health phenotypes. Her interdisciplinary work partners with historically excluded populations like Indonesia's Bajau Sea Nomads and Korea's Haenyeo divers to investigate physiological adaptations in extreme environments. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Evolutionary Genomics from the University of Copenhagen, followed by dual postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Utah and UC Berkeley. Prior to returning to academia, she spent three years in industry developing genomics-based drug discovery platforms using large-scale health cohorts. Dr. Ilardo's research centers on Human Evolution, Exercise Physiology, and Quantitative Genetics, specifically examining how indigenous populations' adaptations (e.g., to breath-hold diving) can inform medical insights. She challenges deficit-focused genomics by celebrating human resilience, emphasizing community-based participatory research that honors participant strengths rather than pathology. Her publication record (2010-2025) reveals consistent exploration of human population genetics, evolutionary adaptations to extreme environments, and translational applications in medicine. Key trends include genetic studies of hypoxia tolerance, ancient DNA analyses, and investigations into amino acid evolution, demonstrating an integrated approach spanning computational genomics, physiology, and anthropology. While no specific awards are documented, her work has appeared in premier journals including Cell , Nature , and Science , reflecting significant scholarly impact. The Ilardo Lab actively mentors graduate students in genomic research methodologies and community-engaged science. Current lab initiatives focus on replicating biological mechanisms from adapted populations to improve general wellness, with ongoing fieldwork in Indonesia and Korea. The team employs computational genomics to translate evolutionary advantages into medical applications, particularly for hypoxia-related conditions, while maintaining strong ethical partnerships with participating communities.