Find Academic Supervisors

Blaire Van ValkenburghView profile

Research Professor

• Vertebrate Paleobiology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• +7 more

Professor Blaire Van Valkenburgh is a Distinguished Research Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, and holds the Donald R. Dickey Chair in Vertebrate Biology. She serves as Curator of the Donald R. Dickey Collection of Birds and Mammals and Associate Dean of Academic Programs in the Division of Life Sciences. Education: Ph.D. in Vertebrate Paleobiology, Johns Hopkins University (1984) Her research integrates vertebrate paleobiology, evolutionary ecology, and functional morphology, focusing on large carnivorous mammals. Key areas include macroevolutionary dynamics, feeding adaptations, nasal turbinate evolution, and molecular-morphological co-evolution in Carnivora. She has published over 110 works, including studies on dire wolves, sabertooth cats, and modern predator-prey systems. Recent publications highlight her interdisciplinary work in olfaction evolution, climate change impacts on predator guilds, and STEM pedagogy. She has received recognition as an Honorary Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the Paleontological Society. Scientific Awards: Honorary Fellow, California Academy of Sciences Fellow, Paleontological Society (2013) She has contributed to conservation initiatives, public education through documentaries, and NSF-funded projects like the CSBR grant for collection infrastructure. Her lab investigates predator ecology, morphological evolution, and extinction patterns.

Elizabeth HunterView profile

Assistant Professor

• Vertebrate Conservation Biology
• Landscape Ecology
• Climate Change Adaptation
• +3 more

Elizabeth Hunter is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, serving as Assistant Unit Leader for the Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (2016), an M.S. from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (2012), and a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin (2006). Her research focuses on vertebrate conservation biology and landscape ecology, addressing global change impacts on at-risk species through integrated fieldwork and quantitative modeling. Her key research areas include climate change adaptation strategies for species like gopher tortoises and Galapagos tortoises, ecosystem restoration via reintroduction programs, and multi-species conservation decision-making. Notable projects address salt marsh bird vulnerability to sea-level rise, habitat management for grassland birds, and climate-influenced tortoise population dynamics. Her publications span conservation biology, ecological modeling, and translocation strategies, with recent work emphasizing translocation success metrics, climate-driven demographic shifts, and hybridization dynamics. She contributes to applied conservation through collaborations with federal agencies and non-profits, aiming to bridge ecological science with practical management solutions.

• Coastal Marine Ecosystem Restoration
• Socio-Ecological Systems
• Oyster Reef Ecology
• +4 more

Dr Dominic McAfee is an ARC Grant-Funded Researcher B at the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute, within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. His work focuses on coastal marine ecosystem restoration, emphasizing both ecological and socio-ecological interactions to enhance human well-being and environmental sustainability. He collaborates with governments, NGOs, industries, and communities on projects ranging from large-scale reef constructions to community-led restorations, particularly in oyster reefs, seagrass, kelp, and mangrove ecosystems. Key research interests include multi-species restoration strategies, the use of marine sound to accelerate recovery, and effective conservation messaging rooted in optimism. His projects address climate adaptation, ecosystem engineering, and the psychological dimensions of environmental engagement. Dr McAfee has received prestigious awards, including the 2023 South Australian Science and Innovation Excellence Award for Science-Industry Collaboration and the 2020 Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research. He actively supervises postgraduate and Honours students in areas like community-based restoration and socio-ecological dynamics. His research bridges ecological science with communication strategies, leveraging cognitive biases to foster public engagement. Ongoing collaborations include projects with the Department for Environment and Water, The Nature Conservancy, and local communities to restore Australia's lost shellfish reefs and communicate their value.

• Schizophrenia
• Cognitive Disorders
• Severe Mental Illness
• +4 more

Professor Alexander Panickacheril John is a Psychiatry Professor at The University of Western Australia's UWA Medical School. He serves as Clinical Lead of the 12-bed in-patient tertiary care facility (John Milne Centre) and Sub-acute Stream at Bentley Mental Health Service within South Metropolitan Mental Health Service. His research focuses on cognitive deficits in severe mental illness , community functioning , and physical health comorbidities . Key areas include schizophrenia treatment resistance, cognitive remediation, and metabolic disorders in psychotic conditions. The research fingerprint shows dominant expertise in Schizophrenia (100%), Cognitive Disorders (71%), and Severe Mental Illness (35%). Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal strong emphasis on schizophrenia comorbidities with diabetes, clozapine treatment challenges, and neurocognitive impacts of substance abuse. His work integrates clinical psychiatry with metabolic health and cognitive neuroscience. No formal scientific awards are documented in the source material, though his h-index of 10 reflects research impact. Professor John coordinates UWA medical student teaching for fourth and sixth years at Bentley Mental Health Service. He has secured two major Department of Health (Western Australia) grants focused on cognitive remediation programs for schizophrenia and early psychosis. His clinical work operates through the John Milne Centre at Bentley Hospital, specializing in tertiary psychiatric rehabilitation and sub-acute mental health services.

Trina RytwinskiView profile

Academic

• Wildlife Conservation
• Road Ecology
• Environmental Management
• +3 more

Trina Rytwinski is a Research Associate in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. She holds a B.Sc. from Cape Breton University and advanced degrees (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) from Carleton. Her research focuses on understanding anthropogenic impacts on wildlife populations, particularly roads and dams. She collaborates with Dr. Steven Cooke and Dr. Joseph Bennett at the Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses on conservation topics like road mitigation, fish passage, and captive breeding programs. Her work emphasizes evidence synthesis to inform policy and management decisions. Her research themes include road ecology, evaluating conservation strategies, and freshwater biodiversity. She has led projects on wildlife crossing structures, flow regime impacts on fish, and counter-wildlife crime interventions. Rytwinski has mentored students and contributed to workshops on evidence-based conservation methodologies. She actively participates in training programs for environmental scientists and policymakers, fostering collaboration between academia and practical conservation efforts. Rytwinski’s contributions span over 30 peer-reviewed articles and systematic reviews, addressing gaps in environmental management practices. She advocates for rigorous experimental designs and open science to bridge the knowledge-action gap in conservation. Her work highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and support ecosystem resilience.

Jonny HansonView profile

Research Fellow

• Human-Wildlife Coexistence
• Conservation Policy
• Community Farming
• +3 more

Jonny Hanson is a Research Fellow at Queen's University Belfast's School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW), affiliated with the ARK Social Policy Hub. He holds a PhD in snow leopard conservation from the University of Cambridge and has extensive experience in community farming, having established Northern Ireland’s first community-owned farm, Jubilee Farm, through Jubilee Community Benefit Society (2014–2022). He is an Affiliate of the Snow Leopard Conservancy and formerly served as Trustee of the Nyika-Vwaza Trust (2017–2022), focusing on conservation in Northern Malawi. Jonny’s education includes a background in medieval history and archaeology from Queen’s University Belfast, followed by a master’s in business management and sustainability from Queen’s University Management School. His work explores the intersection of conservation, agriculture, and climate change, emphasizing coexistence strategies between large carnivores and livestock farming communities, as well as environmental peacebuilding in Northern Ireland. His research interests include social aspects of conservation and agriculture, rewilding policies, community farming models, and the nature-society nexus. He has also authored a popular book on large carnivore reintroductions ('Coexistence: learning to live with lynx, wolves and bears') and produced a documentary on snow leopard conservation in Nepal. Jonny has received the 2019 Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year award and is a 2023 Nuffield Farming Scholar. He actively engages in media commentary and broadcasting, including appearances on BBC Northern Ireland News, UTV’s 'Rare Breed – A Farming Year' (2021), and podcast series like 'Wolf Connection' and 'Conservation and Science.' His recent projects include the Cultivating Community Farming initiative (2022–2024), funded by the Co-op Foundation, and the ESRC/AHRC Impact Acceleration Account Joint Grant (2025). Jonny has organized workshops and seminars on topics such as environmental leadership and climate change trust in Northern Ireland, while also advocating for policies that balance ecological and social needs. His work extends to international collaborations, particularly in Nepal and Malawi, addressing conservation challenges through community-centered approaches.

Steven M. FountainView profile

Assistant Professor

• Early American History
• Environmental History
• Native American History
• +3 more

Steven M. Fountain, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV). He serves as Coordinator of Native American Programs and has held roles as a Diversity Faculty Fellow (2013-15). His research focuses on Early American History, Environmental History, and Native American Studies, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous sovereignty, colonial conflicts, and ecological adaptation. He teaches courses including HIST 110, 413, 414, 415 (Early American History), HIST 409 & 494 (Environmental History), and HIST 308 (Native American History). Dr. Fountain advises the WSUV History Club and Phi Alpha Theta. His work includes studies on the Wind River Shoshones, Plateau Indian Wars, and Modoc homelands. He received the John Topham and Susan Redd Butler Faculty Research Award in 2009-10. Beyond academia, he is a board member of the Salmon Creek Watershed Council and actively engages in community outreach. Education: Doctorate in History (Ph.D.) Research Interests: Indigenous resistance and adaptation Colonial environmental policies Native American treaty rights Environmental justice Frontier warfare and diplomacy Key Awards: John Topham and Susan Redd Butler Faculty Research Award (2009–2010) Diversity Faculty Fellow (WSUV, 2013–2015) Advising & Grants: Advisor to History Club and Phi Alpha Theta Recipient of Butler Research Award funding Labs/Teams: Salmon Creek Watershed Council (board member) Native American Programs coordination

• Wildlife Management
• Ecological Conservation
• Reptile Ecology
• +3 more

JP Emery is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Wildlife Management at the University of Southern Queensland, affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems. His work focuses on ecological conservation, reptile ecology, and post-fire ecosystem recovery. He holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia (2022) and a BEnvMgmt(Hons) from Queensland (2014). Education: BEnvMgmt(Hons), Queensland University, 2014 PhD in Environmental Science, University of Western Australia, 2022 His research emphasizes wildlife management strategies, including reptile reintroduction programs and post-wildfire biodiversity assessments. Recent work includes evaluating reintroductions of extinct reptile species on Christmas Island and analyzing reptile community resilience in subtropical woodlands post-wildfire. His articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to conservation biology and ecosystem restoration. Emery serves as an Associate Supervisor for two ongoing research projects: one examining reptile occupancy in road underpasses and another studying the impacts of grazing and invasive species on the yakka skink. His research contributes to broader efforts in biodiversity preservation and sustainable land management.

Fabrizia RattoView profile

Lecturer

• Agroecology
• Insect Conservation
• Pollinator Ecology
• +4 more

Dr. Fabrizia Ratto is a Lecturer in Global Health at the Department of Health Studies, Royal Holloway, University of London. She is affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Environment and serves as EDI lead and Disability & Neurodiversity network member in her department. Education: PhD in Ecology (2018) from the University of Southampton MSc in Environmental Practice (2008) from Bournemouth University BSc in Natural Sciences (2004) from Università degli Studi di Milano Research Interests: Insect conservation and human well-being, focusing on agroecology and sustainable agriculture Pollinator roles in medicinal plant survival and human health Insect ecology and conservation, particularly Lepidoptera Systematic reviews and meta-analysis methodologies Recent Projects: Reintroduction of the Black-veined White butterfly in the UK Global assessment of pollinator dependence of medicinal plants Exploring farm management practices for biodiversity and carbon sequestration Teaching: Module coordinator for Data Analysis and Research Skills (MSc) Lecturer in Food Security, Sustainability, and Biodiversity programs Awards: Life Sciences Postgraduate Paper Prize (2018) Advising & Grants: Mentor for multiple research projects on agroecology and biodiversity Collaborations with organizations like Ambios Ltd and Kew Gardens Labs/Teams: Member of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) research group.

Hazel NicholsView profile

Associate Professor

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Biodiversity
• +4 more

Dr Hazel Nichols is an Associate Professor in Biosciences at Swansea University. Her research focuses on understanding how animal societies evolve, combining observational, genetic, and biochemical data. Key areas include cooperative breeding, inbreeding dynamics, scent communication, and genetic structure of mammalian societies. She collaborates with institutions like the University of Bielefeld, Exeter University, and conservation organizations such as the Vincent Wildlife Trust. Her work integrates behavioral ecology with conservation genetics, addressing topics like climate change impacts on equatorial species, genetic diversity in reintroduced populations, and landscape use by mammals. She has conducted field studies on striped mongooses in Uganda, hedgehogs in the UK, and wild donkeys in Israel. Current projects aim to enhance conservation strategies through genetic insights and strengthen partnerships with practical conservation groups. Dr Nichols has supervised multiple postgraduate students on topics ranging from hedgehog gene flow to northern pool frog reintroductions. Her research has been supported by fellowships from the Leverhulme Trust and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. She also contributes to interdisciplinary efforts, including human-wildlife conflict studies in Uganda and the application of genetics to improve species reintroduction programs.

Andrew S. I. LoudonView profile

Professor

• Physiology
• Neurophysiology
• Endocrinology
• +3 more

Andrew S. I. Loudon is the Beyer Professor of Animal Biology at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester. He has held leadership roles including Joint Head of the Centre for Nuclear Hormone Receptor Research (2011) and Director of the Medical Research Council Programme Reproductive Biology (1992-95). His career spans institutions like University College London, University of Virginia, and the Zoological Society of London. Education: Abingdon School, Pembroke College (Oxford), PhD in Zoology at University of Edinburgh (1973-76) Prof. Loudon is a leading expert in circadian rhythms, neuroendocrine regulation, and seasonal physiology. His research uses transgenic mouse models to study melatonin signaling, REV-ERB receptors, and kinase regulation of circadian clocks, with applications in sleep disorders and inflammatory diseases. His publications and collaborations with GSK/Pfizer focus on CK1 inhibitors for clock resetting and REV-ERB ligands in circadian gating. He has trained 18 PhD students and supervised 16 postdocs. Professional memberships include Society for Research on Biological Rhythms, Endocrine Society (UK/USA), and IUCN specialist groups.

Ryan W. TaylorView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Policy
• Geographic Information Systems
• Wetland Regulation
• +15 more

Ryan W. Taylor is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Environmental Studies in the School of Natural and Social Sciences at Purchase College, SUNY. He is a leading interdisciplinary scholar in environmental policy and wetland regulation, with a strong emphasis on GIS applications and socio-ecological systems. Dr. Taylor also serves as the campus-wide faculty advisor for the accelerated BA/MPA program at the University at Albany-SUNY Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. BS, Mount Vernon Nazarene College MA, University of Illinois PhD, Oregon State University Dr. Taylor's research integrates natural and social sciences to address complex environmental challenges. His primary interests include environmental policy implementation , GIS in natural resource management , wetland restoration , fluvial geomorphology , and intergovernmental relations in environmental governance . He is particularly known for his work on federalism in wetland regulation, where he demonstrates how redundancy between state and federal programs can enhance regulatory effectiveness. His recent publications and presentations reveal a strong trend toward applied geospatial modeling, ecological impact assessment, and interdisciplinary environmental education. Themes such as beaver reintroduction effects , nutrient bio-extraction in aquaculture , and bathymetric lake studies highlight his technical expertise and practical approach to environmental problem-solving. Scientific awards include: 2016 Purchase College Guiding Light Award for student mentorship 2016 US National Park Service Merit Award for public service 2011 Friends of the Great Swamp Service Award for Ecological Research 2010 Lucille Werlinich Endowment for environmental studies research 2009 Robert O. Fehr Research Professor of Environmental Science 2008 US Bureau of Land Management Outstanding Service Award Dr. Taylor is deeply committed to student mentorship, regularly guiding advisees into GIS-focused internships and graduate programs in environmental policy, urban planning, law, and natural resource management. He has led numerous continuing education programs and professional workshops on GIS and wetland science. He has also secured research funding, including the Lucille Werlinich Endowment, and has been recognized for both research and teaching excellence. His work bridges academia and public practice, reflecting a 'revolving-door' career in environmental planning and policymaking across federal, state, and local government agencies. He frequently presents at national and international conferences and has designed professional training programs on wetland management and geospatial technologies.

• Human Geography
• Environmental Conservation
• Rewilding Policy
• +3 more

Dr. Flurina Wartmann is a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Aberdeen's School of Geosciences. She holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Zurich and has held postdoctoral positions at the Swiss Federal Research Institute and the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on rewilding, landscape aesthetics, and the societal dimensions of conservation. She is currently leading projects on rewilding policy analysis, river woodland restoration, and the cultural impacts of beaver ecosystems. Wartmann has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students and teaches courses on nature-society relations and environmental policy. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has received teaching awards for her supervision excellence. Her academic journey includes roles at Oxford’s Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery and collaborations with international institutes like the James Hutton Institute. Wartmann’s work integrates qualitative and quantitative methods, using social media data, interviews, and historical analysis to assess landscape values. Key awards include recognition for her contributions to education and interdisciplinary research. Wartmann’s recent publications address rewilding governance, tranquillity as an ecosystem service, and the political dimensions of landscape aesthetics. She leads the ‘People and Nature’ strand of the NETGAIN doctoral program, emphasizing socially just conservation strategies. Her research also explores beaver-modified landscapes and public attitudes toward wildlife reintroductions, reflecting her commitment to bridging environmental science and societal needs.

Brent HughesView profile

Associate Professor

• Community Ecology
• Marine Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +7 more

Brent Hughes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Sonoma State University, where he leads an active research program focused on community ecology, marine ecosystems, and coastal conservation. His work centers on foundation species such as seagrass, salt marsh, and kelp, which are critical to ecosystem stability and services but increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. He earned his B.A. from Truman State University (2001), M.S. in Marine Science from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (2007), and Ph.D. from the University of California Santa Cruz (2014). He completed postdoctoral research at Duke University (2015–2017) as a David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellow, with additional fellowships at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs and UC Santa Cruz. His research explores four main themes: (1) the consequences of predator recovery on ecosystem functioning, (2) the interplay between climate and human impacts on coastal systems, (3) the role of foundation species in structuring biodiversity, and (4) informing management and restoration strategies for ecosystem resilience. His lab integrates field studies, meta-analyses, and collaborative science to address pressing conservation challenges. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on trophic cascades, ecosystem resilience, seagrass and kelp dynamics, sea otter recovery, and the impacts of eutrophication and climate change. These works are published in high-impact journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , Ecology , Global Change Biology , and Conservation Letters , demonstrating a consistent contribution to both theoretical and applied ecology. Scientific awards include: David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellow Brent Hughes advises numerous undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications. His research is supported through collaborations with institutions like The Nature Conservancy, California SeaGrant, and government agencies. He has authored multiple technical reports that inform coastal management and restoration policy, particularly in California estuaries like Elkhorn Slough. He leads the Hughes Lab, which is actively engaged in research, education, and public outreach. The lab collaborates with conservation practitioners and has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times , National Geographic , BBC Future Planet , and PBS Deep Look , highlighting the societal relevance of his work.

Rob OgdenView profile

Professor

• Conservation Genetics
• Molecular Ecology
• Wildlife Forensics
• +7 more

Rob Ogden is Chair in Conservation Science at the University of Edinburgh, serving as Director of Conservation Science and Head of Conservation Genetics at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute. He leads international research initiatives, directs an online Master’s program, and co-founded TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network. Doctor of Philosophy (Molecular Ecology) – Bangor University (2002) Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) – University of Liverpool (1997) Ogden specializes in applying genomic technologies to conservation challenges, spanning captive breeding, reintroduction genetics, and wildlife forensics. His work bridges veterinary medicine, agriculture, and non-model wildlife species, utilizing techniques like RAD-seq and de novo genome assembly. Recent research focuses on DNA traceability for combating illegal wildlife trade, fisheries forensics, and population genomics of endangered species such as dama gazelles, golden eagles, and red squirrels. Articles highlight cross-species SNP validation, non-invasive sampling, and functional genomic tool development. Ogden co-founded TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network and directs ECOS (Edinburgh Conservation Science), a cross-institutional conservation policy forum. He is a Director of the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science and serves on the IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group.