Find Academic Supervisors

Basil NikolauView profile

Professor

• Biotin Enzymology
• Plant Lipid Metabolism
• Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis
• +3 more

Dr. Basil Nikolau is the Frances M. Craig Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at Iowa State University (ISU), affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on plant lipid metabolism, biotin enzyme biochemistry, and metabolomics. He leads the Center for Metabolic Biology and directs the W.M. Keck Metabolomic Research Laboratory, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple departments and institutes. Education: B.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Massey University (New Zealand, 1977–1982), followed by postdoctoral fellowships at UC Davis (1982–1983) and the University of Utah (1983–1985). He has been at ISU since 1988, contributing to initiatives like the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) and NIH-funded Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements. Research Interests: Biotin enzyme structure/function, cuticular wax biosynthesis, acetyl-CoA metabolic networks, and advancing metabolomics technologies. His work integrates omics data to uncover novel metabolic pathways and biocatalysts, with applications in bioengineering and sustainable bioproducts. Labs: Research is conducted in the Molecular Biology Building and the 4th floor of the Biorenewables Research Laboratory (BRL 4th). Collaborations include projects on plant metabolite flux, enzyme engineering, and metabolic modeling of Arabidopsis root systems.

• Dental Materials Science
• Dentin Adhesion
• Dental Biomaterials
• +3 more

Anas Aaqel Salim is an Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry at the School of Dentistry, European University Cyprus (Nicosia, Cyprus). He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (2011, Ajman University) and a Doctor of Odontology (PhD, 2019, University of Turku). His research focuses on optimizing dental adhesives and biomaterials, particularly the role of solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in enhancing dentin-resin bond durability. He has held positions including Visiting Scientist at the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials and Lecturer at EUC since 2020. Key areas of expertise include dentin adhesion mechanisms, material cytotoxicity evaluation, and adhesive formulation optimization. He has presented research at international conferences such as the Saudi Division IADR, IADR General Sessions, and the Academy of Dental Materials meetings. Notable awards include the First Place Hatton Award (2019) and the Turku University Foundation Young Researcher Grant (2016). Salim has contributed to projects like the Finnish Doctoral Program in Oral Sciences (FINDOS), focusing on adhesion durability and root canal adhesion enhancement. His work bridges dental material science, biomedical engineering, and clinical applications to improve restorative longevity and patient outcomes.

Manuel KleinerView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial physiology and metabolism
• Bacteria-animal symbiosis
• Metagenomics
• +4 more

Dr. Manuel Kleiner is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University (NC State), affiliated with the Department of Plant & Microbial Biology and the Microbiomes and Complex Microbial Communities Cluster. His research focuses on microbial symbioses, uncultured microorganisms, and metabolic evolution using advanced omics techniques like metagenomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics. Key projects include studying CO₂ fixation pathways, horizontal gene transfer in bacterial symbionts, and developing cutting-edge microbiome analysis methods. Kleiner holds a Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (2012) and a Diploma in Biology from the University of Greifswald (2008). Education: Ph.D., Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (2012); Diploma, University of Greifswald (2008) Research: Microbial physiology, symbiosis, and environmental microbiology Funding: $6.3M+ in grants from NSF, NIH, USDA, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation His lab emphasizes open-access data, global collaborations, and interdisciplinary approaches to address agricultural sustainability and microbiome-host interactions. Recent projects include decoding rhizosphere microbiota interactions and investigating microbe-dependent heterosis in maize.

• Seagrass Biology
• Marine Ecology
• Algal Biology
• +3 more

Marion Cambridge is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA), affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and the UWA Oceans Institute. Her research focuses on seagrass and algal biology, ecology, and restoration. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. Her work explores seagrass reproductive strategies, deep-water habitats, and ecological restoration techniques. Recent publications highlight seed establishment in Posidonia species, underwater plant reproduction, and kelp restoration methods. She collaborates on projects addressing marine environmental challenges, such as desalination impacts and biodiversity in extreme ecosystems. Marion has contributed to 41 research outputs and datasets, including studies on seagrass genetics and restoration protocols. She leads or co-investigates grants focused on marine science and environmental resilience. Media coverage of her research includes insights into seagrass reproductive adaptations and ecological discoveries. Her research integrates field observations, experimental protocols, and modeling to advance understanding of marine plant ecosystems. Collaborations span institutions globally, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to conservation challenges.

Georgios I. ZervakisView profile

Professor

• Mycology
• Fungal Ecology
• Molecular Phylogeny
• +5 more

Georgios I. Zervakis is a Professor of Mycology and Head of the Laboratory of General and Agricultural Microbiology at the Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens. His research focuses on fungal ecology, molecular phylogeny, mushroom cultivation, and biotechnological applications of fungi in waste valorization. He teaches courses in Soil Microbiology, General Microbiology, and Microbial Biotechnology, emphasizing practical lab components. His work spans fungal biodiversity in Greece, including truffles (Tuber spp.) and Basidiomycota, with emphasis on taxonomy, symbiotic relationships, and biodegradation of pollutants. Recent studies highlight the prebiotic potential of mushrooms like Pleurotus eryngii , investigating their effects on gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, and immune modulation. He also explores agro-industrial waste conversion into valuable products through fungal bioconversion. Zervakis collaborates with international teams on fungal systematics (e.g., Hortiboletus , Sidera ), and leads projects on sustainable mushroom cultivation using olive mill and wine by-products. His lab actively engages in citizen science initiatives to document Greek mycobiota, contributing new species records. Key contributions include genomic studies on cultivated mushrooms, detoxification of industrial wastewater via white-rot fungi, and functional characterization of mushroom-derived compounds for health benefits. Current research emphasizes translational applications, such as leveraging fungal β-glucans for metabolic disorder management and exploring truffle symbiosis in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Marcus Andreas HornView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Soil Microbiology
• Greenhouse Gas Metabolism
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Marcus Andreas Horn is a full Professor of Soil Microbiology at the Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. He leads a research group focused on microbial ecology in natural and engineered systems, with significant contributions to understanding greenhouse gas metabolism, bioremediation, and microbial interactions in soil environments. His work integrates molecular, microbiological, and biochemical techniques to study microbial community dynamics and their ecological and biotechnological implications. Research Interests: His research spans several critical areas in environmental microbiology, including the microbial ecology of greenhouse gases (nitrous oxide and methane), biotechnological applications such as microbial production of biodegradable plastics, bioremediation of pollutants and microplastics, and interactions between microorganisms and macroorganisms like earthworms. His group employs advanced methods such as high-throughput sequencing, transcriptomics, and stable isotope probing to identify key microbial players and metabolic pathways. The most recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong trend in soil microbial processes related to climate change, pollution, and sustainability. Key themes include denitrification in agricultural soils, methane cycling in peatlands and paddy fields, microbial degradation of plastics, and the impact of microbial activity on environmental monitoring. These works highlight an interdisciplinary approach combining ecology, biogeochemistry, and molecular microbiology. Leadership and Service: Chair of the Examination Board, MSc Molecular Microbiology Representative of Professors, Faculty Council, Faculty of Natural Sciences Member, Admissions Board for MSc Molecular Microbiology Advising and Grants: While specific student names and grant details are not listed in the provided texts, Prof. Horn leads an active research group and likely supervises Master’s and PhD students in microbiology and environmental sciences. His extensive publication record suggests successful acquisition of research funding, though specific grants are not mentioned. Laboratory and Research Group: The Horn group at Leibniz University Hannover investigates microbial community regulation and physiology using cutting-edge molecular and analytical tools. The lab focuses on both fundamental microbial ecology and applied biotechnological solutions, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability.

• Agricultural Sciences
• Soil and Plant Feed
• Nutritive Principles
• +7 more

Assoc. Prof. İLKER SÖNMEZ is a prominent Turkish academic in agricultural sciences, currently serving at Akdeniz University in the Faculty of Agriculture , specifically within the Department of Agrology and Plant Nutrition . With a career spanning over two decades, he has held various academic positions including Associate Professor (2018-present), Assistant Professor (2013-2018), and Lecturer (2009-2011). His work focuses on plant nutrition , composting technologies , and sustainable agricultural systems . Doctorate (2009) - Akdeniz University, Institute of Science Postgraduate (2003) - Akdeniz University, Institute of Science Undergraduate (1999) - Akdeniz University, Faculty of Agriculture His research interests center on soil fertility , organic waste management , and nutrient solution optimization in both soil-based and soilless cultivation systems . He has extensively studied the impacts of agricultural waste composts , zeolite applications , and micronutrient treatments on crop quality and yield. Analysis of his recent publications (2020-2024) reveals consistent contributions to plant nutrition strategies , with particular emphasis on stress mitigation in vegetable crops, biofertilizer applications , and machine learning approaches for agricultural optimization. His work spans multiple disciplines including agronomy , soil science , and controlled-environment horticulture . As an active researcher, he has supervised numerous graduate theses and participated in multiple funded projects related to agricultural waste valorization , nutrient biofortification , and sustainable cultivation systems . He currently serves on the editorial board of Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Agriculture Journal and contributes to the Turkish Soil Science Association .

• Horticulture
• Plant Physiology
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +6 more

Dr. Sven Verlinden is an Associate Professor of Horticulture and Program Coordinator for Horticulture and Plant Sciences at the West Virginia University (College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design). He teaches courses including Plants and People , Greenhouse Management , and Herbaceous Plant Materials . Education: B.Sc. in Horticulture from Michigan State University, Ph.D. in Horticulture (Molecular Biology of Flower Senescence) from Purdue University Research Interests focus on sustainable horticultural practices, including: Biodegradable container systems for greenhouse production Organic soil amendment impacts on vegetable yields Postharvest physiology of asparagus and ornamental crops Mechanisms of flower senescence Microgreens production systems Greenhouse crop economics Publications highlight his work on biocontainers, organic farming, and plant storage physiology across six key subfields: Container nursery sustainability Soil health management Biodegradable material performance Postharvest technology Edible plant production Crop economic analysis

Mary A. SchulerView profile

Professor

• Pharmacology
• Enzymology
• Genomics
• +7 more

Dr. Mary A. Schuler is a Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. She holds affiliations with the Department of Plant Biology, School of Integrative Biology, and the Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) in plants and insects, exploring their roles in metabolic pathways, detoxification, and structural biology. She earned her B.A. (1974) and Ph.D. (1981) in Biochemistry and Chemistry from Cornell University, followed by postdoctoral studies at Washington University. Her work integrates structural modeling, biochemical assays, and genomic approaches to understand P450 functions in plant defense, insecticide resistance, and biopharmaceutical production. Key projects include defining P450 roles in Arabidopsis fatty acid metabolism, insect detoxification of plant toxins, and structural biology via solid-state NMR. Her research also examines circadian regulation of P450 genes and engineering medicinal plant alkaloid pathways in yeast. Recent collaborations span plant-insect interactions, honeybee metabolism, and mosquito P450s involved in insecticide resistance. Publications highlight her contributions to P450 modeling, enzyme engineering, and gravitational signaling (e.g., GPS1/P450 roles in plant gravitropism). Her work bridges biochemistry, genomics, and evolutionary biology to address agricultural and biomedical challenges.

William B. MillerView profile

Professor

• Floriculture
• Greenhouse cropping systems
• Postharvest physiology of ornamental plants
• +3 more

William B. Miller is a Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, specializing in the Horticulture Section. His work bridges floricultural research, greenhouse crop production, and plant physiology. Education Doctorate in Horticulture, Cornell University (1986) Master of Science in Horticulture, Cornell University (1983) Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, University of California, Davis (1981) Research Focus Dr. Miller's research centers on: Floricultural crop production, particularly flower bulb forcing Ethylenedependent growth regulation and pathogen interactions Physiological disorders in ornamental plants Climate change implications in horticultural substrates Annual/perennial plant evaluations in Zone 5 climates His work with Dutch bulb exporters and US industry partners has led to globally adopted practices, including the use of rootzone ethylene applications (since 2010) and greenhouse gas emission studies from peat moss substrates (since 2013). Scientific Contributions Developed novel growth control methods using ethephon drenches Investigated carbohydrate metabolism in bulbous plants Conducted extensive outdoor plant trialing in Ithaca Published key findings in HortScience and Acta Horticulturae Awards & Academic Leadership Kenneth Post Award (2012), American Society for Horticultural Science Director of the annual Seeley Conference for floral industry Instructor for PLSCI 1101, HORT 3000, and HORT 3100

• Plant Metabolism
• Carbohydrate Metabolism
• Nitrate Assimilation
• +4 more

Caroline Bowsher is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at the University of Manchester, where she serves in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Function. She is also the Academic Lead for Digital Learning Environment in the Office of the President and Vice Chancellor. Dr. Bowsher belongs to the Plant Science research group at the University of Manchester. Dr. Bowsher obtained a First Class Honours degree in Botany at Manchester University, followed by a PhD (SERC/CASE) investigating 'Nitrite reduction and Carbohydrate Oxidation in pea root plastids' under joint supervision of Mike Emes (Manchester University) and Derek Hucklesby (Long Ashton Research Station). Her academic journey continued with a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Guelph in Canada, a Research Associate position in the Department of Cell and Structural Biology at the University of Manchester, and a Royal Society Pickering Research Fellowship before her appointment as a lecturer. Dr. Bowsher's research focuses on plant metabolism, particularly the regulation of and interrelationship between carbohydrate metabolism and nitrate assimilation in non-photosynthetic plastids and within whole plants. Her work encompasses several key areas including the isolation and analysis of distinct plastid populations using proteomics, the role of plastidic transporters in controlling substrate supply for carbohydrate oxidation and starch synthesis, protein import mechanisms into root plastids, protein phosphorylation as an integrative mechanism in amyloplasts, and transcriptional regulation of nitrate assimilation. Her research has significant implications for understanding plant productivity and developing strategies to help plants cope with environmental stresses such as drought and salinity. Analysis of Dr. Bowsher's publication record reveals a consistent focus on plant biochemistry and metabolism, particularly concerning plastids, which are organelles unique to plants. Her research spans from fundamental biochemical mechanisms to broader implications for plant productivity and stress responses. The recurring themes in her work include Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system, wheat metabolism, and the intricate relationships between different metabolic pathways within plant cells. SEB Presidents Medal (1998) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2015) Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2016) University of Manchester Teaching Excellence Award (2014-15) Dr. Bowsher has been actively involved in pedagogical research and development, serving as Academic Lead for Digital Learning Environment. She completed a Developing Learning and Teaching PGCE in 2005 and has integrated educational frameworks such as the Technology, Content, Pedagogy Knowledge (TCPK) framework and Bruce's 7 faces of information literacy into her teaching practice. Her project "Pedagogic Activities in Molecular and Cellular Function" demonstrates her commitment to enhancing teaching methods within her division. Dr. Bowsher's educational philosophy emphasizes constructivist approaches, learner-centered environments, and the Ecology of Resources framework to support student learning. Dr. Bowsher is an active member of the Plant Science research group at the University of Manchester (http://www.ls.manchester.ac.uk/research/themes/plantscience). Her research team investigates various aspects of plant metabolism with a particular focus on plastid function. Through collaborations with researchers like Goodacre, Lunn, and Johnson, her work spans biochemical, molecular, and systems-level approaches to understanding plant metabolism.

Deepanjan MridhaView profile

Research Fellow

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Food Safety
• +3 more

Deepanjan Mridha serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), based in Clark Hall 332. His research addresses critical environmental contamination issues, particularly arsenic and fluoride exposure pathways in agricultural ecosystems and their human health implications in endemic regions of India. His primary research domains span environmental science, soil contamination, food safety, and health risk assessment, with specialized focus on arsenic dynamics in rice cultivation systems. Key interests include soil remediation techniques (biochar, humates), groundwater contamination mapping, heavy metal bioaccumulation, and biomarker development for exposure assessment. His work integrates field studies in West Bengal with laboratory analyses to evaluate mitigation strategies and public health impacts. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a concentrated research trajectory on arsenic-fluoride co-contamination in South Asian agricultural systems. Dominant themes include soil amendment efficacy for reducing crop uptake, human exposure modeling through dietary pathways, and innovative detection methods for metal ions in biological systems. His interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental engineering, toxicology, and public health, with consistent emphasis on real-world applicability in resource-limited settings.

Claudia OeckingView profile

Professor

• Plant Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Signal Transduction
• +3 more

Prof. Claudia Oecking is a Professor at the University of Tübingen, based at the Center for Molecular Biology of Plants (ZMBP) within the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on plant 14-3-3 proteins, investigating their roles in signal transduction, membrane physiology, and cellular processes such as nutrient uptake and stress responses. Key projects include studying the regulatory mechanisms of the plant plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase, interactions with glycolytic enzymes like enolase, and the structural basis of 14-3-3 function using techniques like X-ray crystallography and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Her work bridges molecular biology and plant physiology, addressing questions such as how 14-3-3 proteins modulate enzyme activity, mediate protein interactions, and influence plant development under environmental stresses. Collaborative efforts include structural biology with groups like the Wittinghofer lab and proteomic approaches to identify novel 14-3-3 targets. Patents related to herbicide design based on 14-3-3-fusicoccin complexes highlight translational research outcomes. Current research extends to isoform-specific functions of 14-3-3 proteins in Arabidopsis, using transgenic plants and genomic tools. The lab also explores the role of 14-3-3 in auxin transport and root development through genetic mutant studies. Training includes supervision of graduate students (e.g., Tanja Schmidt, Lea Reuter) and postdocs, supported by the Reinhold und Maria Teufel Foundation for early-stage researchers. Technical expertise spans protein biochemistry, cell imaging, and computational modeling, with a focus on integrating structural data with in vivo plant biology. The lab’s infrastructure includes facilities for confocal microscopy, molecular genetics, and high-throughput screening of protein interactions.

• Microbial Ecology
• Agricultural Microbiology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Frank Dazzo is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Natural Science. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida (1975) and completed an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin (1976-1977). His research focuses on beneficial plant-bacteria associations, particularly nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium species, and the development of CMEIAS software for microbial ecological analysis. Education: B.S., Florida State University (1970) M.S., University of Florida (1972) Ph.D., University of Florida (1975) NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Wisconsin (1976-1977) Research Interests: Dr. Dazzo investigates symbiotic plant-microbe interactions, including nitrogen fixation in legumes and cereals. His work explores novel associations between Rhizobium and plants like rice and wheat, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity. He also develops CMEIAS, a computational tool integrating microscopy and image analysis for studying microbial communities at single-cell resolution. Publications: His research spans over 50 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on microbial ecology, plant-microbe symbiosis, and computational tools. Recent work includes studies on biofilm communication, alpine lake Dinophyceae fluctuations, and rice microbiome dynamics under fertilizer treatments. Awards/Grants: While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record and NSF postdoctoral fellowship highlight sustained academic contributions. His work has been supported through grants for CMEIAS development and agricultural microbiology research. Labs/Teams: He leads the CMEIAS software development initiative and collaborates extensively on microbial ecology projects, including studies at MSU and international partnerships with institutes in Italy, China, and Germany.

William McMahonView profile

Research Fellow

• Sedimentology
• Clay Mineralogy
• Paleobiology
• +5 more

William McMahon is a Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences and a member of Clare Hall College. His research focuses on sedimentology, clay mineralogy, paleobiology, and planetary geology, particularly exploring how Earth's early environments and extraterrestrial landscapes evolved. He holds a PhD from Cambridge and has conducted postdoctoral research at Utrecht University and the University of Hull. His work investigates the interplay between biological evolution and sedimentary processes, such as the impact of early land plants on fluvial systems and the role of microbial mats in fossil preservation. Key projects include analyzing Martian sedimentary rocks, studying Devonian forest ecosystems, and examining Ediacaran macrobiota habitats. McMahon employs advanced techniques like SEM-EDS mineral mapping to study clay assemblages and their implications for Earth's geochemical history. Publications span topics from pre-vegetation river dynamics to the fossil record's chronostratigraphic fidelity. Collaborations with institutions globally highlight his role in interdisciplinary Earth science research, including contributions to the UK Space Agency's Mars Utah Rover Field Investigation (MURFI 2016). His research bridges sedimentology, geobiology, and planetary science, offering insights into Earth's deep-time ecosystems and extraterrestrial environments.