Find Academic Supervisors

Mark EverettView profile

Professor

• Near-surface Applied Geophysics
• Ground-penetrating Radar Imaging
• Electrical Resistivity Tomography
• +5 more

Mark Everett is a Professor of Geophysics at Texas A&M University, holding the Howard Karren Professorship. His primary research focuses on near-surface applied geophysics, with expertise in ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity tomography, and controlled-source electromagnetics. He explores applications in environmental monitoring, geotechnical engineering, archaeology, and agricultural sciences. Research interests include karst aquifer dynamics, coastal transition zones, and subsurface imaging for infrastructure assessment. Teaches courses like GEOP 313 (Geophysical Field Methods) and GEOP 413 (Near-Surface Applied Geophysics). Education background: BSc and MSc in Physics from York University (Canada), followed by a PhD in Geophysics from the University of Toronto. Research highlights: Developed the SWAN CSEM system for offshore groundwater mapping. Advanced GPR techniques for unmarked grave detection and crop biomass estimation. Led studies on sinkhole formation mechanisms and coastal aquifer connectivity. Publications emphasize hydrogeological processes, geophysical instrumentation, and interdisciplinary applications in agriculture and archaeology. Collaborates globally on projects like the Texas Water Observatory, focusing on climate-land use interactions in water cycle dynamics.

Brian WhipkerView profile

Professor

• Plant Nutrition
• Horticultural Crop Production
• Agricultural Economics
• +3 more

Brian Whipker is a Professor and Commercial Floriculture Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, with a 80% Extension role and 20% research focus on commercial floriculture. His research emphasizes diagnostics, plant nutrition, water quality, plant growth regulators, and economic analyses. He provides production guidance and diagnostic services for greenhouse floriculture, specializing in crops like pansies, bedding plants, poinsettias, and potted plants. Education: Ph.D. in Horticulture (Purdue University, 1995); M.S. in Agricultural Economics (Purdue University, 1988); B.S. in Horticulture and Agricultural Education (Purdue University, 1985). Research interests include plant nutrient deficiencies, substrate management, cannabinoid production in hemp, and the application of machine learning in crop diagnostics. His work addresses challenges in sustainable agriculture, precision farming, and ornamental crop production. Recent publications focus on nutrient interpretation ranges, biochar applications, and spectral analysis for deficiency detection. He contributes to extension programs and collaborates on graduate student mentorship in horticultural crop production and management.

Deborah L MillerView profile

Professor

• Coastal Ecology
• Restoration Ecology
• Plant Propagation
• +3 more

Dr. Deborah L. Miller is a Professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, based at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center. She holds a 70% teaching and 30% research appointment, coordinating the Natural Resource Conservation (NRC) undergraduate program. Her research focuses on coastal landscape restoration, plant propagation, and dune ecology. She also serves as affiliate faculty in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment (CNRE). Key research interests include restoring coastal ecosystems, propagating native plants for dune stabilization, and understanding ecological interactions in Florida's coastal regions. Dr. Miller teaches six courses at the Milton Campus, emphasizing practical applications in natural resource management. Her work integrates ecological principles with hands-on restoration practices, often collaborating with researchers like Mack Thetford on plant propagation techniques. Publications highlight her expertise in propagating species such as false rosemary, Florida rosemary, and gulf bluestem, with a focus on their roles in dune ecosystems. Her research also addresses challenges in habitat restoration for species like beach mice and monarch butterflies. Dr. Miller's contributions extend to advising students and guiding restoration projects that balance ecological and human needs.

John J. StachowiczView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Community Ecology
• Biodiversity
• +12 more

John J. Stachowicz is a Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis, with strong affiliations to the Bodega Marine Laboratory and the Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute, where he serves as Interim Director. His research focuses on marine community ecology, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. Position: Professor Institution: University of California, Davis Department: Department of Evolution and Ecology Research Hub: Bodega Marine Laboratory Leadership: Interim Director, Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute He received his education from leading institutions: B.S. in Biology, Dartmouth College (1993) Ph.D., University of North Carolina (1998) Stachowicz’s research centers on the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms shaping biodiversity in marine systems. His lab investigates how species and genetic diversity influence community stability and ecosystem function. Key areas include facilitation, mutualisms, biological invasions, and the impacts of environmental stressors on marine organisms. His work integrates field studies in Northern California estuaries with global collaborations, focusing on organisms from algae and seagrasses to invertebrates and microbial communities. His recent publications (2025) emphasize seagrass (eelgrass) ecology, host-microbe dynamics, responses to sediment and pH stress, and disease patterns across biogeographic gradients. These studies reveal trends in climate resilience, microbial specificity, and the role of genetic and environmental variation in marine plant health. Scientific awards and recognition include: Teaching Prize, UC Davis He actively mentors graduate students and leads a vibrant research group. His lab has advised recent Ph.D. graduates such as Dr. Kollars and Dr. DuBois. He has secured significant research grants supporting work on seagrass genomics, microbiomes, and climate impacts. His lab collaborates widely, including with institutions like UC Merced, UAB, and UVI. The Stachowicz Lab operates primarily through the Bodega Marine Laboratory, a key coastal research station, where field and experimental studies are conducted on marine community dynamics, species interactions, and ecosystem responses to global change.

Anthony LeBudeView profile

Associate Professor

• Nursery Crop Production
• Horticultural Best Management Practices
• Plant Propagation
• +3 more

Anthony LeBude is an Associate Professor and Nursery Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. He focuses on developing practical solutions for nursery growers, including automation strategies, best management practices, and pest management systems. His work bridges research and extension through collaborative programs with industry stakeholders. Education: PhD in Rooting and Physiology of Stem Cuttings of Loblolly Pine (NC State University, 2005) MS in Agricultural Education (NC State University, 1998) BS in Horticulture (Virginia Tech, 1990) Research Interests: Automation technologies in nursery production Integrated pest management (IPM) adoption Water and nutrient management systems Microbiome dynamics in ornamental crops Propagation techniques for woody ornamentals His work emphasizes translating scientific findings into actionable tools for growers, such as mobile apps (e.g., IPMPro) and standardized best practice guides. Advocacy and Grants: Collaborated on multi-state pest management strategic plans Received grants for automation research and extension workshops Promoted experiential learning through hands-on IPM workshops Lab/Team: Works closely with the NC State Extension network and industry partners like the Southern Nursery Association to address real-world production challenges.

• Plant Science
• Soil Ecology
• Agricultural Sustainability
• +6 more

Dr. Michael Bitterlich is a scientific collaborator at the Albrecht Daniel Thaer Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, part of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Humboldt University. His work focuses on plant-soil interactions mediated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Location: Lentzeallee 55-57, Room 17 Contact: Phone 030 2093-46433 Research Interests Dr. Bitterlich investigates how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant nutrition and drought tolerance through hyphal networks , soil hydraulic modifications , and nutrient-water coupling . His studies explore: Soil texture-dependent mycorrhizal effects Brassinosteroid-sucrose transporter interactions Hyphal water transport under drought Root-hyphal redundancy in resource uptake Publication Trends His 15 most recent publications highlight mycorrhizal fungi's role in: Modulating soil hydraulic properties Enhancing phosphorus/nitrogen uptake Improving drought resilience Engineering sustainable soil-crop systems Interpreting symbiotic biomarkers like blumenols Modeling root-hyphal water dynamics Contact Email: michael.bitterlich@hu-berlin.de

Ignacio RangelView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Gut Microbiota
• Microbial Ecology
• Probiotics
• +6 more

Ignacio Rangel is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University. His research focuses on microbial ecology in health and disease, specifically investigating gut microbiota interactions in gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). He works within the Life Science Centre and Responsive Nutrition Research Centre environments. Research Interests: Mechanisms of probiotics (traditional and next-generation), functional roles of gut microbiota, diet-microbe interactions, inflammation modulation, and gut-brain axis dynamics. Funding: Supported by Lantmännen, Knowledge Foundation, Valio, and Örebro University. Collaborations: Active in inflammatory bowel disease research, cognitive medicine biomarkers, and nutrition-gut-brain axis teams. Recent Research Trends: 2025 publications examine Pleurotus eryngii fermentation effects on intestinal barrier integrity. Earlier works explore chicory root microbiota modulation (2024), Akkermansia muciniphila's therapeutic potential (2022), and butyrate's neuroprotective roles (2021).

• Plant Genetics
• Bioenergy Crops
• Lignin Biosynthesis
• +3 more

Wilfred Vermerris is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida. His research focuses on plant genetics, bioenergy crops, and lignin biosynthesis, with particular emphasis on improving sorghum for biomass and biofuel applications. He leads projects investigating plant-microbe interactions, cell wall composition, and metabolic pathways critical to stress tolerance and nutrient acquisition. His work integrates molecular genetics, genomics, and biochemical approaches to understand and enhance traits such as disease resistance, nitrogen use efficiency, and carbohydrate accumulation in crops. Recent studies highlight discoveries in biological nitrogen fixation via sorghum aerial root mucilage, lignin modification for reduced biofuel processing costs, and dual-RNA sequencing of plant-pathogen interactions. Vermerris' publications span plant defense mechanisms, enzyme function characterization, and genetic diversity analyses in sorghum germplasm. He collaborates on interdisciplinary bioenergy initiatives and contributes to improving breeding strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Sara BrancoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Fungal Ecology
• Environmental Adaptation
• Evolutionary Biology
• +2 more

Sara Branco is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Colorado Denver's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She directs research on fungal ecology and evolution in the Branco Lab, investigating ecological mechanisms driving microbial diversity in challenging environments through integrated field, laboratory, and computational approaches. Research Focus: Dr. Branco's work spans biological scales to examine: Adaptation mechanisms in extreme environments Genomic foundations of symbiotic relationships Community dynamics along environmental gradients Biotechnological applications of fungal properties Publication Trends: Her recent articles demonstrate: Advanced genomic analyses of stress adaptation Metal tolerance mechanisms in mycorrhizal systems Fungal community responses to extreme soils Innovative applications in sustainable biomaterials

Lisa TiemannView profile

Associate Professor

• Soil Biology
• Soil Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• +6 more

Dr. Lisa Tiemann is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her research focuses on soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics and nitrogen cycling through a microbial lens, integrating biogeochemical, genetic, and social-environmental approaches. She holds a B.M. from the University of Wyoming, a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of New Hampshire. Her work explores microbial community dynamics, biofilm formation, and SOM stabilization mechanisms. She uses techniques like isotopic tracers and metagenomics to study agricultural and natural systems, emphasizing soil resilience and sustainability. Dr. Tiemann collaborates globally, including projects in Africa and India to enhance soil health for smallholder farmers. Her lab integrates agroecological principles to develop management practices that boost biodiversity and SOM while addressing climate change impacts. Recent achievements include a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award (2023) and grants for innovative soil research. She teaches CSS 360 – Soil Biology and contributes to initiatives like the CANR Global Scholars Program. The Soil Biology and Ecology Lab, led by Dr. Tiemann, emphasizes education outreach, such as soil health workshops for Ugandan primary schools, alongside cutting-edge research on microplastics, nitrogen fixation databases, and bioenergy crop systems.

Mehran DastmalchiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant molecular genetics
• Biochemistry
• Isoflavonoid biosynthesis
• +6 more

Dr. Mehran Dastmalchi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science at McGill University , located on the Macdonald Campus. His research spans plant molecular genetics, biochemistry, and metabolic engineering , with a focus on isoflavonoid biosynthesis in legumes , plant-microbe interactions , and sustainable agricultural systems . Research Interests: Dr. Dastmalchi's laboratory investigates soil and water sustainability , crop and livestock production systems , and bio-based products and bioenergy . His specialization lies in plant metabolic engineering and synthetic biology , aiming to enhance human health and agricultural productivity. Key areas include abiotic and biotic stress responses , gene-environment interactions , and plant-microbe signaling . His work integrates transcriptomics, proteomics, and biochemical assays to dissect complex metabolic pathways, particularly in soybean and legume species , and to engineer these pathways for improved crop resilience and nutritional value. Scientific Contributions: Dr. Dastmalchi has published extensively in high-impact journals, with over 25 peer-reviewed articles from 2014 to 2025. His research has significantly advanced understanding of isoflavonoid biosynthesis , alkaloid transport , and metabolic flux regulation in plants. Notable findings include the discovery of chalcone isomerase-like proteins that modulate isoflavonoid pathways and the characterization of transporters for specialized metabolites . Contact Information: Email: mehran.dastmalchi@mcgill.ca Office: Raymond Building, R2-021A Phone: 514-398-7858

Đorđević VladanView profile

Research Fellow

• Ecology
• Biogeography
• Biodiversity Protection
• +7 more

Dr. Vladan Đorđević is a Senior Research Associate (mapped to "Research Fellow") at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Ecology and Geography . His work focuses on orchid conservation, biogeography, and environmental interactions. Education: 2012 – MSc in Environmental Biology 2018 – PhD in Environmental Sciences Research Interests include: Orchid ecology and conservation Plant-pollinator interactions under climate change Phytoremediation potential of orchid species Edaphic adaptations to serpentine and limestone substrates Species distribution modeling with biotic interactions Article Trends show a focus on orchid biodiversity in the Central Balkans, emphasizing: Metalliferous soil adaptation Vegetation classification GIS-based conservation planning Hybrid orchid documentation Climate change impacts on specialist species Collaborations span institutions like: KU Leuven University of Montpellier Universidad Politécnica de Madrid University of Louvain

Owen RowlandView profile

Professor

• Plant metabolism
• Plant-environment interactions
• Metabolic engineering
• +7 more

Owen Rowland is a Professor in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science at Carleton University. Holding a B.Sc. from the University of Alberta and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, he maintains an active research laboratory in the Nesbitt Biology Building where he investigates plant surface barriers and their role in environmental adaptation. His work bridges fundamental plant science with practical applications for agriculture and renewable resources. Dr. Rowland's research program focuses on understanding the biosynthesis and function of plant extracellular barriers composed of polymerized lipids and associated waxes, including cuticle, suberin, and sporopollenin. These protective interfaces are critical for plant survival under environmental stresses such as drought, salt stress, and pathogen attack. His laboratory employs molecular genetics, biochemical, cell biology, and genomic approaches, primarily using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system, with successful translation of findings to crop plants like Camelina sativa and Brassica napus . His research has significant implications for developing stress-tolerant crop varieties that can withstand changing climate conditions, as well as harnessing plant surface lipids as renewable resources that could replace petroleum products. The Rowland Lab is part of the international ICON consortium working to develop high-value plant oils to replace fossil oils in the global chemicals industry. His work spans from fundamental enzyme characterization to metabolic engineering of plants and microbes for bioproduct development. Dr. Rowland's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with research spanning plant lipid metabolism, stress adaptation mechanisms, and metabolic engineering applications. His work shows a clear progression from fundamental discoveries about plant surface lipid biosynthesis to applied research with agricultural and industrial relevance, particularly in developing crops with enhanced drought tolerance and plants engineered to produce valuable lipid-based compounds. NSERC Discovery Grant NSERC Accelerator Grant Canadian Foundation for Innovation Ontario Research Fund France-Canada Research Fund Dr. Rowland has successfully mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His laboratory has produced multiple PhD and MSc graduates, including Sollapura Vishwanath (first PhD graduate from his lab), Micaela Chacon, and others who have presented their work at national conferences and published in high-impact journals. He also actively involves undergraduate students in research through NSERC-USRA awards and honors thesis projects. The Rowland Lab maintains active collaborations with researchers at Michigan State University, Algoma University, and Bordeaux University (France), reflecting the international nature of plant lipid research. The laboratory has developed expertise in plant lipid analysis, molecular genetics, and metabolic engineering approaches that position it at the forefront of research on plant surface barriers and their applications.

Jeewani Peduru HewaView profile

Researcher

• Biogeochemistry
• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• +5 more

Dr. Jeewani Peduru Hewa is a Postdoctoral Research Officer in Biogeochemistry (Peatlands) at the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University. Their research focuses on understanding biogeochemical processes in soils and peatlands, particularly addressing climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas management. Dr. Hewa holds a PhD and is affiliated with the Environment Centre Wales. Research Interests: Peatland restoration and management Iron oxide dynamics and microbial interactions in soils Biochar applications in carbon sequestration Microbial ecology in agricultural and post-fire ecosystems Carbon mineralization and stabilization mechanisms Key Contributions: Dr. Hewa’s work integrates field studies and laboratory analyses to explore how soil amendments, microbial communities, and environmental factors influence carbon and nutrient cycling. Their research has implications for sustainable land management and climate resilience. Labs/Teams: Associated with the Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University.

Samieh EskandariView profile

Researcher

• Plant-Soil Interactions
• Biochar Applications
• Mycorrhizal Biology
• +3 more

Samieh Eskandari is a Researcher and Publishing Support Specialist at Karlstad University Library, affiliated with the Research Data Support Group. She holds a PhD in Plant and Soil Science from the University of New England, Australia (2017), followed by postdoctoral research on soil chemistry and nutrient dynamics in alkaline soils. At Karlstad University, she contributed to projects like FoSBE (forest-based systems), NärSkog 2 Bio (biochar fertilization), and WoodVALOR. Her current role focuses on supporting researchers in data management, Open Science practices, publishing strategy, and research visibility enhancement. Her research spans plant-soil interactions, biochar applications, mycorrhizal symbiosis in sodic soils, and environmental sustainability. Key projects include investigating biochar's role in soil quality, evaluating eco-efficiency in wheat production, and analyzing life cycle impacts of hydrochar and pulp mill sludge valorization. She also explores open science adoption dynamics through mentorship and supervisor influence. Samieh has collaborated on interdisciplinary initiatives like the Water Energy Nexus and Anaerobic Digestion-Pyrolysis integration. Her work bridges fundamental soil science with applied research in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, emphasizing circular economy principles and waste-to-resource strategies. She actively publishes on environmental biotechnology, mycorrhizal ecology, and publishing ethics, contributing to both technical and policy-oriented discourse. Professional contributions include managing research data repositories, designing science communication workshops, and advising on open access policies. She is a member of the Researcher and Publishing Support Group, promoting reproducibility and ethical practices in academic publishing.