Find Academic Supervisors

• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Genetics
• Social Evolution in Insects
• +3 more

Robert Hammond is a Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Leicester's Department of Genetics and Genome Biology. His research focuses on social evolution in insects, conservation genetics, and molecular phylogenetics. He holds a PhD from Oxford Brookes University and has conducted postdoctoral work at the Institute of Zoology, Saudi Arabia, and the University of Lausanne. His work includes studies on ant social behavior, gazelle conservation genetics, and reproductive dynamics in social insects. Key areas of research include the phylogeny of ants (e.g., Leptothorax acervorum), genomic processes in haplodiploid organisms, and the evolution of sexual systems in ancient crustaceans like tadpole shrimp (Triops cancriformis). He collaborates widely, including with Dr Africa Gomez on Notostraca evolution. Hammond teaches and supervises PhD/MSc students at Leicester, emphasizing evolutionary questions linked to conservation and molecular genetics. Publications span topics from ant social behavior genetics to plant mutation dynamics, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to evolution. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his work contributes significantly to understanding social insect biology and evolutionary mechanisms.

Christa BakerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Behavioral Biology
• +3 more

Christa Baker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at NC State University. Her research focuses on understanding how brain circuits process acoustic communication signals in fruit flies, leveraging their experimental tractability to study mechanisms of hearing and evolutionary adaptations. She leads the Baker Lab, which integrates animal behavior, neural recordings, connectomics, computational modeling, and genetic tools to decode neural circuitry underlying social communication. Her work bridges neurobiology, genetics, and computational science to explore questions like how neural populations encode sensory information and how evolutionary pressures shape communication systems. The lab is affiliated with graduate programs in Genetics and Integrative Physiology & Neurobiology, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach. Notable contributions include studies on Drosophila courtship behaviors, neural population coding, and the FlyWire collaborative connectomics platform. Her research has advanced understanding of both fundamental neuroscience principles and comparative evolutionary biology. Despite no listed awards, her publications reflect impactful contributions to sensory neuroscience and circuit analysis. Dr. Baker collaborates extensively on connectomics projects and maintains an active lab in Thomas Hall. While no advising or grant details are provided, her work exemplifies cutting-edge integrative biology methodologies.

Dan CharbonneauView profile

Assistant Professor

• Social Insect Behavior
• Biostatistics
• Applied Data Mining
• +3 more

Dan Charbonneau is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the College of Information Science at the University of Arizona, specializing in behavioral ecology and data science. His research focuses on social insect behavior, biostatistics, and applying data engineering methods to biological questions. He holds a PhD in Entomology from the University of Arizona and has prior postdoctoral experience at Arizona State University and the University of Pennsylvania. Education: PhD in Entomology, University of Arizona His research explores how decentralized systems like ant colonies allocate tasks, particularly examining 'inactive' workers and their roles in colony efficiency. He develops tools like ABCTracker to analyze collective behavior patterns, integrating biostatistics and computer vision. Research Trends: His articles consistently investigate task allocation mechanisms in social insects, emphasizing spatial interactions, aging effects, and bio-inspired technology applications. Key themes include colony resilience, sensor networks, and modeling collective behavior. Grants & Advising: His work bridges ecological studies with data science, though specific grants or advised students are not detailed here. He contributes to the Environmental, Health and Biological Sciences program within the College of Information Science. Labs/Teams: Engages in collaborative projects applying data engineering to biological systems, though specific lab affiliations are unspecified.

Greg ChismView profile

Assistant Professor

• Data Visualization
• Statistics & Statistical Learning
• Social Network Analysis
• +6 more

Dr. Greg Chism is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona's College of Information Science. His work focuses on data science education, open science practices, and interdisciplinary research. He holds a PhD in Entomology and Insect Science from the University of Arizona and a B.S. in Zoology from UC Santa Barbara. Core Faculty: Data Management, Analysis, and Visualization Associate Member: DataLab, Data Science Institute Research Interests: Data Visualization, AI, Behavioral Ecology, Healthcare Analytics, and Open Science. Dr. Chism develops curriculum and tools to democratize data science education, including courses like INFO 523, 526, and 698. Notable Awards: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2019-2023), Jetstream2 AI Pilot Fellowship (2024-2025), and the 2024 Posit Table Contest Best Table Award. Grants: Lead PI on $750k NSF ACCESS credits for Capstone computing resources and co-PI on Mental-HEALTH-MAP project focused on mental health equity. Labs/Teams: Social Insect Laboratory (PhD research), Data Science Ambassadors Program (co-director), Duke 3C Fellow.

Judith BronsteinView profile

Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Mutualisms
• +4 more

Judith Bronstein is the University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona, where she has held faculty positions since 1989. She specializes in the ecology and evolution of interspecific interactions, particularly mutualisms like plant-pollinator systems, and their responses to environmental change. Her research integrates field experiments, theoretical models, and genomic approaches to understand cooperation dynamics across species. Education includes a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan (1986), and postdoctoral training in evolutionary genetics at the University of Alberta and CNRS in France. She served as Program Director at the National Science Foundation (2007–2008) and has held editorial roles at journals such as The American Naturalist and Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics . Her research focuses on mutualism maintenance, cheating dynamics, and anthropogenic threats to beneficial interactions. Key themes include how abiotic conditions and community contexts influence mutualist outcomes, with recent studies on desert pollination systems and urban insect mutualisms. She has pioneered frameworks analyzing cooperation across biological levels, from genes to ecosystems. Notable awards include the Ecological Society of America Fellowship (2016) and multiple teaching honors from the University of Arizona. Bronstein advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing the societal relevance of ecological concepts through work on seed dispersal, climate change impacts, and the evolution of cooperation in human-wildlife contexts.

Anna DornhausView profile

Professor

• Social Insect Behavior
• Collective Behavior
• Task Allocation
• +3 more

Anna Dornhaus is a Professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on understanding how collective behaviors emerge in social insect colonies (e.g., bees, ants) through mechanisms like task allocation, foraging strategies, and communication. She employs experimental and computational approaches to study decision-making, division of labor, and organizational principles in insect societies. Education: Ph.D. in Zoology (2002) and M.S. in Biology (1999), both from the University of Würzburg. Prior to her current role, she held positions including Visiting Fellow at the University of Bristol (2002-2005) and Associate Researcher at the University of Würzburg’s Department of Artificial Intelligence (2002). Research Interests: Mechanisms of coordination in social insects, collective decision-making, task allocation, and the role of communication in foraging. Her work explores how environmental factors shape organizational strategies in colonies, including nest architecture, resource defense, and behavioral syndromes. Recent work emphasizes spatial organization in ants, including how nest geometry influences colony behavior and the efficiency of collective search. Publications span topics from ant task-switching costs to pollinator behavior and interdisciplinary methods in tracking insect movement. Awards: ‘Local Genius’ award from the Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art (recognizing innovative contributions to science communication). Her research integrates field observations with lab experiments and mathematical modeling, addressing questions about the evolution of social organization and the adaptive benefits of behavioral diversity within colonies.

Amelia BrunskillView profile

Associate Professor

• Systematic Reviews
• Accessibility in Libraries
• Disability Studies
• +3 more

Amelia Brunskill is an Associate Professor and Information Services & Liaison Librarian at the University of Illinois Chicago's University Library. She serves as a liaison to the College of Applied Health Sciences, covering areas such as Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, Disability and Human Development, and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her academic roles include coordinating collections, managing electronic resources, and supporting systematic review methodologies. She holds a Master of Science in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Art from the University of Washington. Prior roles include positions at DePaul University and Dickinson College. Her research focuses on accessibility in academic libraries, disability studies, and systematic review methodologies. Key interests include improving library services for users with disabilities, analyzing library contributions to evidence-based research, and exploring the social determinants of health through literature synthesis. She has led grants on topics like refugee resettlement, brain health messaging, and medical humanism in education. Notable awards include the 2024 Jean Williams Sayre Innovation Award and the 2022 Stephen E. Wiberley, Jr. Library Faculty Publication Award. She actively participates in professional service, including roles in the Medical Library Association and the Association of College & Research Libraries. Amelia collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, such as analyzing physical activity interventions for ADHD and dance’s cognitive benefits for older adults. She advocates for inclusive library practices through grants, committees, and publications.

Galen NewmanView profile

Professor

• Urban Regeneration
• Land Use Science
• Spatial Analytics
• +5 more

Galen Newman is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M University, concurrently holding the Nicole and Kevin Youngblood Professorship. He has served in leadership roles including Interim Department Head, Director of the Center for Housing and Urban Development, and Coordinator for undergraduate programs in Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture. His expertise spans urban regeneration, spatial analytics, and community resilience, with a focus on integrating flood resilience into urban design. Dr. Newman earned a Ph.D. in Planning, Design, and the Built Environment from Clemson University (2010), alongside dual Master's degrees in Landscape Architecture and Community Planning from Auburn University. He teaches landscape architecture studios and advanced visualization courses, emphasizing design and planning pedagogy. His research has secured over $73 million in funding from NSF, NIH, and other agencies, resulting in 130+ peer-reviewed publications and three influential books. Awards include ASLA Fellow (2023), CELA Excellence in Research Award, and multiple service-learning accolades. His work bridges academia and practice through initiatives like MyEcoReporter and the HEAL Tool, promoting community-driven solutions to environmental challenges. Notable projects include flood resilience frameworks for Galena Park, AI-driven design tools, and analyses of urban heat and contamination risks. He leads Texas A&M's Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, Texas A&M Superfund Center, and other interdisciplinary research hubs.

Ed VargoView profile

Professor

• Urban entomology
• Molecular ecology
• Social insect biology
• +2 more

Ed Vargo is a Professor and holds the Endowed Chair in Urban and Structural Entomology at Texas A&M University, within the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Previously, he served as a professor at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on urban entomology, social insect biology, invasion biology, and population genetics, employing molecular genetic approaches to study pest behavior and management strategies. Education: B.S. Biology, Maharishi International University Ph.D. Entomology, University of Georgia Dr. Vargo’s work addresses pest invasion dynamics, colony structure in ants and termites, and the development of RNAi-based tools for pest control. He has authored over 165 scientific articles and delivered more than 200 professional presentations. His contributions have earned accolades such as the Entomological Foundation Recognition Award in Urban Entomology. His research is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, where he explores pest management strategies and ecological impacts. While specific grants or student advisees are not detailed, his extensive publications reflect a focus on applied and theoretical entomology.

• Mathematical Biology
• Ecological Modeling
• Population Dynamics
• +3 more

Yun Kang is a Professor at the School of Applied Sciences and Arts within the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) at Arizona State University. His research focuses on interdisciplinary applications of mathematical modeling to ecological, biological, and social systems. Key areas of investigation include predator-prey dynamics, social insect behavior, disease spread modeling, and human trust in automation systems. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with real-world challenges in conservation biology, resource management, and human-autonomy interaction. Research Interests: Dr. Kang's expertise spans ecological modeling, population dynamics, and mathematical epidemiology. He employs advanced analytical and computational tools to study complex systems, such as the impact of fear on predator-prey interactions, the optimization of natural resource harvesting, and the dynamics of trust in automation technologies. His models often integrate stochastic processes, spatial heterogeneity, and temporal dynamics to predict system behaviors under various environmental pressures. Recent Work Trends: His 2024-2025 publications emphasize novel approaches to understanding species coexistence mechanisms, improving bycatch reduction strategies, and analyzing trust dynamics in human-autonomy teams. These studies highlight the interplay between ecological principles and technological applications. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Advising & Grants: No specific grant details or advisee names listed here, but his extensive publication record suggests active involvement in research mentorship and collaborative projects. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with interdisciplinary research groups at ASU focusing on mathematical biology and human-environment systems modeling.

Michael AngillettaView profile

Academic

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Thermal Biology
• +5 more

Michael Angilletta is a President's Professor in the School of Life Sciences and Associate Dean for Learning Innovation at EdPlus, Arizona State University (ASU). He holds a BS in Biology from The College of New Jersey and a PhD in Ecology & Evolution from the University of Pennsylvania. Before joining ASU in 2010, he served as a faculty member at Indiana State University (2000–2010), where he established an international reputation in evolutionary biology, focusing on thermal adaptation and its ecological implications. His research interests span thermal biology, climate change impacts, and animal behavior. Notable projects include studies on thermoregulation in ectotherms, the role of oxygen in thermal tolerance, and the effects of environmental heterogeneity on organismal performance. He has pioneered initiatives in educational innovation, such as the Dreamscape Learn project, which integrates virtual reality and adaptive learning technologies into curricula. Angilletta’s articles explore topics like thermal landscapes, climate change vulnerabilities, and deceptive behavior in animals. His work bridges fundamental biology with applied solutions, such as mitigating climate impacts on species survival. He has received accolades including the ASU President’s Award for Innovation and the Thomas Edison Achievement Award for Education. He actively contributes to academic governance, serving on committees for curriculum development, faculty affairs, and institutional leadership. His leadership in EdPlus focuses on merging educational technology with evidence-based teaching practices.

• Insect Physiology
• Metabolic Scaling
• Thermoregulation
• +2 more

Jon Harrison is Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, specializing in insect physiology, environmental stress responses, and pollinator health. His research examines metabolic scaling principles across insect taxa and investigates anthropogenic threats to pollinators, particularly pesticide impacts on honey bees. Research emphases include: Energetics of flight and thermoregulation in desert-adapted insects Nutritional ecology and life history trade-offs in social insects Metabolic consequences of endosymbiotic bacteria in ant colonies Fungicide-induced physiological disruptions in pollinators Harrison's recent publications demonstrate integrative approaches combining respirometry, behavioral analysis, and molecular techniques to understand energy allocation strategies under environmental stressors. His work on insect-inspired biomimetics explores tracheal systems as models for carbon capture technology development.

William H WarrenView profile

Professor

• Perception and Action
• Spatial Navigation
• Visual Control of Locomotion
• +3 more

William H. Warren is Chancellor's Professor of Cognitive and Psychological Sciences at Brown University. He leads the Virtual Environment Navigation Lab (VENLab) and has held this position since 1982. His research focuses on the visual control of human locomotion and navigation, applying dynamical systems theory and virtual reality techniques. He has served as Chair of Brown's Department of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences (2002-2010) and remains active in academic leadership roles. Education: BA (Hampshire College, 1976), PhD (Experimental Psychology, University of Connecticut, 1982) Postdoctoral Training: University of Edinburgh (1983) Research interests include human crowd behavior, obstacle avoidance, and the interplay between vision and action. Key contributions involve modeling collective motion using agent-based simulations and analyzing spatial navigation through path integration and cognitive graphs. His work bridges basic science and applied domains like robotics and urban design. Notable awards include the Ken Nakayama Medal (2023), NIH Career Development Award, and Brown's Elizabeth Leduc Teaching Award. Active grants focus on crowd dynamics and locomotion control, totaling over $3.5M in funding since 2019. Teaching includes courses such as Perception and Action and Core Concepts in Cognitive Sciences . Academic service includes leadership roles in the International Society for Ecological Psychology and editorial boards in top journals.

Sanja HakalaView profile

Research Fellow

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Dr. Sanja Hakala is a Research Fellow at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, affiliated with the Chapuisat Group. Her research focuses on social insects, particularly ants, examining topics like social behavior, material transfers, and evolutionary adaptations. She addresses pressing issues such as climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and the role of scientists in ecological emergencies. Her work combines genetic analysis, behavioral studies, and ecological field research. Key research themes include the evolution of social structures in ants, the effects of environmental stressors (e.g., pesticides) on insect populations, and the implications of gene flow in host-parasite systems. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to tackle ecological crises, advocating for scientists to adopt proactive strategies in policy and conservation efforts. Hakala’s recent publications highlight innovations in studying socially transferred materials, colony maturity through biomarkers, and the ecological consequences of species misidentification. Her contributions bridge basic research with applied solutions for biospheric challenges.

• Neurobiology
• Olfactory System Evolution
• Drosophila Genetics
• +3 more

Richard Benton is a Full Professor at the Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne. He leads a research group focusing on the structure, function, and evolution of nervous systems, particularly the olfactory system in Drosophila. His work integrates bioinformatics, genetics, and behavioral analysis to study chemosensory receptors, neural circuit evolution, and ecological specialization. Key achievements include the discovery of Ionotropic Receptors (IRs) as insect olfactory receptors and identification of mechanisms underlying circadian plasticity and odor-guided behaviors. Education: PhD from the University of Cambridge (2003), postdoctoral fellowship at Rockefeller University. Joined UNIL in 2007 as Assistant Professor, promoted to Full Professor in 2018. Awards include the National Latsis Prize (2015) and Royal Society Fellowship (2021). Research Themes: Chemosensory receptor evolution and function Neurodevelopmental plasticity of olfactory circuits Ecological specialization in Drosophila sechellia Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation, ERC Grants (Starting/Consolidator/Advanced), EMBO, HFSP.