Root-substrate interactions Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Benjamin WherleyView profile

Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Benjamin Wherley is a Professor of Turfgrass Science & Ecology at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. His 70%/30% research/teaching appointment focuses on sustainable turfgrass management, irrigation optimization, and ecological resilience. He collaborates across disciplines to address industry challenges and teaches courses like SCSC 302 (Recreational Turfgrass) and SCSC 428 (Advanced Turf Ecology). Education: PhD in Turfgrass Science from North Carolina State University (2008), MS from Ohio State University (2003). His research explores nutrient management, drought tolerance, and sand-capped fairway dynamics. Key projects include multistate drought resistance initiatives and spent coffee grounds as organic amendments. Research Interests: Developing sustainable irrigation and nutrient practices Evaluating biostimulants and organic amendments Salinity and sodicity tolerance in warm-season turfgrasses Soil physical properties improvement in compacted soils Environmental impacts of landscape conversions Advising & Grants: Mentors students in research projects and oversees grants focused on turfgrass ecology. His lab (Scotts Turfgrass Research Lab) supports applied field studies. Recent work includes machine learning-driven irrigation systems and genotype × environment interactions in turfgrass breeding programs. Labs/Teams: Lead researcher at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, collaborating with AgriLife Extension and industry partners. His team investigates topics like runoff mitigation, fairway rehabilitation, and urban landscape sustainability.

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Raphael MüllerView profile

Researcher

University of ViennaAustria

Raphael Müller is a researcher at the University of Vienna's Department of Geography and Regional Research within the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy. His work focuses on peatland ecology, soil hydrology, and environmental science with an emphasis on climate change impacts and ecosystem dynamics. Müller leads the MOIST project (2024–2025) assessing degraded peatlands in Austria and their restoration potential, and previously contributed to Torfmoose in Paludikulturen (2018–2020). His research explores topics like peat degradation patterns, root exudate dynamics, and soil-water interactions. Notable awards include the Drittmittelförderprämie für FFG-Spin-off Fellowship (2023) and Moore im Klimawandel project funding (2023). Müller frequently presents at academic conferences (e.g., Bodenforum Österreich in 2025) and engages in public outreach through media features on peatland conservation and restoration. Collaborations include interdisciplinary teams across Austria evaluating hydromorphic soils and urban water management projects. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable ecosystems.

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Yunde ZhaoView profile

Professor

University of California, San DiegoUnited States

Yunde Zhao is the Tata Chancellor's Endowed Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of California San Diego. His research focuses on auxin biosynthesis and signaling in plants, particularly in Arabidopsis and rice. He leads the Zhao Lab, which develops innovative technologies like the RUBY reporter system and CRISPR-based genome editing tools. Education: PhD in Biochemistry from University of Michigan; postdoctoral training at Salk Institute as an HHMI Fellow. Research Interests: Auxin-dependent organogenesis, YUC enzyme regulation, CRISPR applications, and plant hormone pathways. Current projects include dissecting the genetic framework of lateral organ formation and spatial control of auxin production. Awards: Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow of the Life Sciences Research Foundation during postdoctoral training. Advising & Technology: Supervises PhD/Master's students and undergraduates. Developed RUBY (visual betalain reporter) and TKC (Transgene Killer CRISPR) systems. Key collaborations include global plant science networks. Labs & Teams: Zhao Lab specializes in plant developmental biology with emphasis on auxin pathways and CRISPR-based innovations. Active in Nature and Addgene collaborations for technology dissemination.

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Alexandra BennettView profile

Researcher

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria

Dr. Alexandra Bennett is a researcher at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), affiliated with the Institute of Analytical Chemistry under the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources. She also collaborates with the Institute of Soil Research. Her research integrates analytical chemistry and metabolomics to study plant-soil interactions, root exudates, and soil health. Her research interests include analytical chemistry, food chemistry, natural product chemistry, horticulture, and metabolomics, with a focus on non-targeted analysis of plant chemical communication and soil health monitoring. She employs advanced techniques such as dual-column chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Her recent publications (2021–2024) reflect a strong trend in analytical method development for metabolomics, particularly in plant root exudates and rhizosphere interactions. She also investigates soil health indicators and the chemical diversity of crops like sweet potatoes and wild tomatoes, combining experimental and computational approaches. She has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed journal articles in journals such as Analytica Chimica Acta , Soil Use and Management , and Plant Journal , and has presented her work at international conferences including ASMS and IMSC. Email: alexandra.a.bennett@boku.ac.at ORCID: 0000-0002-5403-0382 Dr. Bennett is involved in the FWF-funded project 'Below ground crop/weed interaction', highlighting her active role in funded research. There is no indication of awards or thesis supervision in the provided data.

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Stephan HannView profile

Professor

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria

Univ.Prof. Dr. Stephan Hann is a Full Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) , leading the Institute of Analytical Chemistry since 2024. His research spans metabolomics , environmental analysis , food sciences , and ion mobility-mass spectrometry development. Director, Institute of Analytical Chemistry (2024–present) Deputy Head of Institute (2024–present) Head, Analytical Chemistry & Metabolomics Working Group Key research areas : 13C-based fluxomics for biological systems Elemental speciation analysis (S, P, Pt, Se) Ion mobility-mass spectrometry for metabolite characterization Environmental trace metal analysis in aquatic systems Metabolomic fingerprints for food authenticity Plant-microbe interactions via root exudate profiling Scientific contributions include 622 publications and leadership in 68 projects (2001–2025), focusing on PFAS bioremediation , rhizosphere biogeochemistry , and advanced mass spectrometry . His work has earned awards like the Houska Prize 2017 and István Halász Young Scientist Award . Doctoral students supervised include Claudia Hledik (water contaminant removal), Pegah Mousazadeh Fazeli (multi-platform food/environmental analysis), Thai Ha Anh (PFAS bioremediation), and Santiago Souza Nava (analytical methods). Current collaborations span EU-funded networks like FFoQSI , Wanted: Micronutrients , and MobiliTraIN projects.

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Frederic Gich BatlleView profile

Lecturer

University of GironaSpain

Frederic Gich Batlle serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the University of Girona, Spain, affiliated with the Institute of Aquatic Ecology and leading the Molecular Microbial Ecology Research Group. His work bridges fundamental microbiology and environmental engineering, focusing on microbial processes in aquatic ecosystems and engineered treatment systems. Dr. Gich's research centers on microbial community dynamics in bioremediation, particularly nitrogen cycling via anammox processes, siloxane degradation in biogas, and archaeal diversity in freshwater habitats. He investigates how microbial consortia degrade pollutants in biotrickling filters and wastewater reactors, emphasizing reactor optimization through microbial ecology insights. His studies frequently integrate molecular techniques with environmental engineering to address challenges in biogas upgrading and nutrient removal. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a trajectory from foundational archaeal ecology toward applied environmental solutions. Key trends include the engineering of anoxic biotrickling filters for volatile compound removal, temperature-dependent stability in nitrogen-removing reactors, and dual-use approaches for phosphorus recovery and nitrogen removal. His work consistently links microbial community composition to functional outcomes in engineered systems. As head of the Molecular Microbial Ecology Research Group, Dr. Gich directs experimental work spanning lab-scale reactors to field studies in lakes and wetlands. The group employs microcosm incubations, DNA/RNA community analysis, and process engineering to advance sustainable wastewater treatment and biogas purification technologies.

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Pieter de VisserView profile

Researcher

Wageningen University & ResearchNetherlands

Pieter de Visser is a researcher in Crop Physiology at Wageningen University & Research , focusing on plant physiology, photosynthesis, and digital twin applications in horticulture. Research Focus: Photosynthesis dynamics, CO2 efficiency in greenhouses, microbial activity in growing media, and digital crop modeling. Projects: Led initiatives like 'Wortelmilieu' (2020-2024) and 'Plantkampioen luchtzuivering binnenruimtes' (2017). Notable Contributions: Supervised PhD candidate M. van der Meer (2015-2022) and co-authored datasets on fossil-free raspberry farming (2022) and CO2 optimization (2022). Media Engagement: Spoke on digital twins (2021), root environment microbiology (2023), and CO2 efficiency (2023). Recent 2024 articles highlight virtual crop systems for sustainable horticulture. Publications: Over 227 outputs, including journal articles on light distribution (2021), air purification by plants (2022), and digital twins (2025). His work bridges computational models with physiological insights to enhance greenhouse crop productivity and environmental efficiency.

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Mary Ann BrunsView profile

Professor

Pennsylvania State UniversityUnited States

Mary Ann Bruns is a Professor at the Pennsylvania State University 's College of Agricultural Sciences , Department of Ecosystem Science and Management . Her research focuses on the intersection of soil biogeochemistry, microbial communities, and climate-smart agricultural practices. Soil carbon sequestration and tillage reduction Nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions Manure application and microbial processes like DNRA Research Themes Mary Ann Bruns' work examines trade-offs between agricultural intensification and climate adaptation. Key areas include: Soil microbiome responses to management practices Methane-eating bacteria for carbon capture Degraded land reclamation strategies Scientific Recognition In 2024, she received the Commonwealth Award from the One Health Microbiome Center for her contributions to microbiome research. Her work has been highlighted in multiple climate change mitigation studies, including methane-absorbing bacteria applications and nitrous oxide emission reduction. Contact Email: mvb10@psu.edu Office: 116 Ag Sci & Ind Bldg, Shortlidge Road, University Park, PA 16802 Phone: (814) 863-0779

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Wolfgang StreitView profile

Professor

University of HamburgGermany

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Streit is a faculty member at the University of Hamburg , affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences and serving as Head of the Department of Biology's Microbiology & Biotechnology group. His research spans environmental microbiology, biopolymer degradation, and microbial community dynamics. Institutional Affiliation : University of Hamburg, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Plant Sciences and Microbiology Research Focus : Estuarine carbon cycling, synthetic polymer degradation, root-microbe interactions Key research areas include microbial degradation of plant litter along salinity gradients, thermophilic PET hydrolases for plastic recycling, and Bacteroidota carbohydrate-binding proteins . His work addresses both fundamental microbial ecology and applied biotechnology solutions. Publications demonstrate expertise in metagenomics , transcriptomics , and enzyme characterization across marine and wetland ecosystems. Current projects examine climate change impacts on decomposition dynamics and microbial bioremediation strategies. Teaching & Collaboration : Leads research group at Ohnhorststrasse 18 , mentoring doctoral researchers like Samantha Klein and Pablo Pérez-García . Hosts laboratory at the Otto Warburg House with technical team including Inka Sievers-Helling .

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Johannes SjöholmView profile

Researcher

Uppsala UniversitySweden

Johannes Sjöholm is affiliated with Uppsala University , serving in the Office of Technology and Natural Sciences within the Unit for Educational Support . He holds the administrative role of Registrar and is recognized as an educational leader in the university administration. His research is deeply rooted in the biophysics and biochemistry of photosynthesis, particularly focusing on Photosystem II and the water-oxidizing complex . His research interests include: Photosystem II photochemistry Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy Protonation and redox dynamics in tyrosine residues Water oxidation mechanisms Hydrogenase regulation in cyanobacteria His publications, spanning from 2007 to 2017, reflect a consistent focus on the mechanistic aspects of photosynthesis, particularly the role of tyrosine residues (TyrD and TyrZ) and the S-state cycle of the oxygen-evolving complex. His 2012 doctoral thesis, "Trapping Tyrosine Z: Exploring the Relay between Photochemistry and Water Oxidation in Photosystem II" , underscores his expertise in this niche. Collaborators include prominent researchers such as Stenbjörn Steinhoff , Fikret Mamedov , and Peter Lindblad . His recent work has explored: Protonation states and biphasic oxidation kinetics (2017) Redox-controlled proton gates (2014) EPR signal splitting induced by methanol (2013) pH effects on S-state intermediates (2009–2010) Although no formal scientific awards or student advisement are mentioned, his publication record in high-impact journals such as Biochemistry and Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Bioenergetics demonstrates significant scholarly contribution. He is based at Segerstedthuset in Uppsala and is actively reachable via email and mobile, indicating current engagement with the institution.

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Karin KüttView profile

Researcher

Estonian University of Life SciencesEstonia

Karin Kütt is a Junior Research Fellow at the Chair of Silviculture and Forest Ecology within the Institute of Forestry and Engineering at Estonian University of Life Sciences, a position she has held since September 2023 with a contract extending through August 2027. She is actively engaged in forest pathology research with a specialization in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) while pursuing her PhD studies in Forestry at the same institution. Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Forest Management and Forest Ecology with cum laude distinction (2021-2023), a Master's Degree in Economics and Business Administration from University of Tartu (2009-2011), and a BA in Rural Entrepreneurship and Financial Management from Estonian University of Life Sciences (2006-2009). Karin's research focuses on forest pathology with particular emphasis on medicinal mushroom cultivation, invasive forest pathogens, and forest health monitoring in the context of climate change. Her work bridges traditional forest pathology with modern applications of medicinal fungi, exploring both ecological impacts of pathogens and commercial potential of non-timber forest products. She has presented her findings at major international conferences including the International Medicinal Mushrooms Conference and International Mycological Congress. Her significant research contributions have earned her multiple prestigious awards including the Kristjan Jaak Scholarship and Endel Laas Scholarship in 2023, and Andres Mathiesen and Heino Teder Scholarships in 2022. Karin participates in substantial research projects with combined funding exceeding €1.3 million, including 'Boosting the Inoculation and Cultivation Success of Chaga Mushroom' (€234,000) and 'Entering and establishment of invasive forest pathogens' (€760,450). She has also contributed to outreach activities such as delivering forestry lectures for children at Järvselja Experimental and Training Centre and participating in international summer schools on forest health monitoring. As an active member of the Estonian Naturalists' Society since 2024, she contributes to scientific dissemination and participates in training courses including Phytophthora isolation workshops and advanced forest health monitoring techniques.

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Dalia AielloView profile

Associate Professor

Catania UniversityItaly

Dalia Aiello is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology (AGR/05) at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A) , University of Catania, Italy. Since 2024, she has held this permanent academic rank, following a decade of postdoctoral research, fixed-term contracts, and national qualification as an associate professor in 2017. Education PhD in Plant Pathology, University of Catania, 2009 Master degree (5 years) in Agriculture Science and Technologies, University of Catania, 2005 National Scientific Qualification (ASN) as Associate Professor in Plant Pathology, 2017 Research Interests Dalia Aiello’s research spans the characterisation, pathogenicity and control of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens . Her work delves into emerging diseases caused by genera such as Neofusicoccum , Calonectria , Diaporthe , Botryosphaeriaceae , Fusarium and Phytophthora . A second major strand is the development of biological control strategies and reduced-impact disinfestation techniques for soil and substrates, aimed at sustainable crop protection in Mediterranean environments. She also investigates antifungal and antibacterial compounds as alternatives to copper, and explores interactions between ambrosia beetles and their fungal associates. Research Output & Trends Over 120 peer-reviewed publications (ISI/Scopus) document an impressive sequence of first reports of new pathogens and novel disease complexes . Recent papers (2021–2024) highlight a shift toward integrative studies combining high-resolution molecular diagnostics with field evaluation of biocontrol agents , especially Bacillus amyloliquefaciens -based formulations against citrus mal secco. A clear trend is the expansion from ornamental nurseries to major fruit crops (citrus, mango, avocado, pistachio) and forest ecosystems, reflecting the increasing impact of climate-driven pathogen emergence. Scientific Awards 2012 SIPaV Award – Most Deserving Young Researcher, XVIII National Congress 2016 SIPaV Award – Most Deserving Young Researcher, XXII National Congress Teaching & Supervision Since 2021 she has been course leader for: “Plant Pathology” – BSc Agricultural Sciences & Technologies “Biological Control of Plant Diseases” – MSc Agricultural Sciences & Technologies “Plant Protection” – MSc Agricultural Sciences & Technologies She also coordinates practical laboratories, delivers specialised modules in viticulture, and has served as tutor or co-tutor for PhD students in the Doctoral Programme in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science (cycles XXXIV-XXXVII). Laboratory & Collaborations Her research group operates within the Plant Pathology Section of Di3A , maintaining active collaborations with international institutes such as the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (Netherlands), the University of California Davis, CNR-ISPA Bari, and multiple European partners in Horizon 2020 projects (e.g., Organic-PLUS).

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Patrice CannavoView profile

Professor

Institut Agro Rennes-AngersFrance

Patrice Cannavo is a Professor of Soil Sciences at the Agro Institute Rennes-Angers , specializing in soil dynamics, nutrient cycling, and urban horticultural systems. His research spans Horticultural Plant Physical Environment Research Unit (EPHor) National Commission of Teacher-Researchers (CNECA, Section 2) Institute for Research in Urban Science and Technology (IRSTV) Research Interests focus on: Organic matter dynamics in horticultural substrates Water-carbon-nitrogen cycle interactions Urban soil sustainability and pollution management Agroforestry system efficiency His recent publications (2024-2022) address urban technosol construction, precision irrigation strategies, greenhouse gas fluxes in green spaces, and organic waste valorization. Thesis Co-Direction includes work on: Carbon sequestration in metropolitan soils Technosol multifunctionality Nutrient dynamics in agroecological orchard systems Collaborations involve networks like ASTREDHOR , Plante&Cité , and the IRSTV institute.

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Dariusz ZałuskiView profile

Professor

University of Warmia and Mazury in OlsztynPoland

Dariusz Załuski is a Professor at the Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Bioresource Engineering within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury. His academic profile is characterized by extensive contributions to agricultural sciences, with a focus on plant-soil interactions, sustainable crop production, and bioresource engineering. Research Interests: Agriculture, Ecology, Biotechnology, Plant Biology, Toxicology, and Forestry Key Expertise: Soil management, crop physiology, biocontrol agents, and environmental impact analysis His recent publications demonstrate a sustained focus on optimizing agricultural practices through innovative soil management techniques, exploring bioresource applications like insect frass as organic fertilizers, and analyzing wildlife interactions with agricultural ecosystems. Studies on tillage systems, nitrogen management, and wild boar behavior highlight his interdisciplinary approach to agronomic challenges.

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Tomica MišljenovićView profile

Assistant Professor

University of BelgradeSerbia

Tomica Mišljenović serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia, where he investigates plant adaptations to extreme metalliferous environments across the Balkan Peninsula. His research integrates field studies at contaminated sites like the Allchar arsenic-thallium deposit in North Macedonia with advanced analytical techniques including synchrotron μXRF imaging and portable XRF spectroscopy. His primary research focuses on metal hyperaccumulation mechanisms in plants, particularly examining arsenic-thallium tolerance in Viola species, nickel-zinc accumulation in Brassicaceae genera (Noccaea, Odontarrhena), and orchid adaptations to ultramafic substrates. He explores physiological detoxification pathways, elemental distribution patterns, and evolutionary adaptations that enable survival in toxic environments, with direct applications for phytoremediation and phytomining technologies. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on Balkan metalliferous ecosystems, characterized by methodological innovation in herbarium-based discovery and field validation. Key contributions include identifying novel hyperaccumulators like Cardamine waldsteinii, elucidating metal translocation mechanisms in reproductive tissues, and developing geopolymer-assisted phytostabilization techniques for lead-contaminated soils. His work bridges fundamental plant ecophysiology with practical environmental remediation strategies.

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