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Silvia FerrariView profile

Professor

• Robotics and Autonomy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Silvia Ferrari is the John Brancaccio Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University, leading the Laboratory for Intelligent Systems and Controls (LISC) in Ithaca and co-directing the Cornell-Unibo Věho Institute on Vehicle Intelligence at Cornell Tech. She holds academic affiliations with both Cornell Engineering and Cornell Tech, focusing on interdisciplinary research in autonomy, robotics, and intelligent systems. Education: B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (1997) M.A. and Ph.D., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (1999–2002) Research Interests: Her work spans computational intelligence, sensorimotor learning, adaptive control, and robotic autonomy. Key areas include active perception, neural network modeling, distributed sensor networks, and decision-making under uncertainty. She has pioneered methods in information-driven path planning and reinforcement learning, with applications to robotics, neuroscience, and environmental monitoring. Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2006) NSF CAREER Award (2005) ONR Young Investigator Award (2004) Fellow of ASME and AIAA (2020) Labs & Leadership: As Director of LISC and co-Director of the Věho Institute, she fosters cross-campus collaborations in autonomy and urban technology. Her recent initiatives include organizing the Autonomy and Mobility Workshop, advancing Cornell’s ‘One Cornell’ research strategy.

Digvir S. JayasView profile

Professor

• Food Preservation
• Grain Drying
• Grain Storage
• +5 more

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba's Price Faculty of Engineering. He holds professional registrations as a P.Eng. (Professional Engineer) and P.Ag. (Professional Agrologist). His academic journey includes degrees from G.B. Pant University (India), University of Manitoba, and University of Saskatchewan, culminating in a D.Sc. in 2019. **Education**: B.Tech. in Agriculture Engineering, G.B. Pant University, India (1980) M.Sc., University of Manitoba (1982) Ph.D., University of Saskatchewan (1987) Certificate in Academic Leadership, University of Manitoba (2001) D.Sc. (Honoris Causa), University of Saskatchewan (2019) **Research Focus**: Dr. Jayas specializes in food preservation, grain drying/storage systems, and digital imaging for agri-food quality. His work has global impact on efficient grain storage in countries like Canada, China, India, Ukraine, and the U.S. He pioneered approaches to pest management, moisture control, and non-destructive grain evaluation using X-ray and hyperspectral imaging technologies. **Awards & Recognition**: Recipient of the 2017 Sukup Global Food Security Award, 2008 Brockhouse Canada Prize, and 2018 Officer of the Order of Canada. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and holds over 1,000 technical publications. **Leadership**: Former Vice-President (Research and International) at the University of Manitoba, interim President of NSERC, and CEO of TRIUMF. He chairs numerous national/international boards, including NSERC Council and TRIUMF's board. **Labs & Collaborations**: Leads research teams in biosystems engineering, collaborating with institutions worldwide on storage ecosystems, pest dynamics, and agri-tech innovations.

Helmut KovacView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Thermal Biology
• Energetics
• Respiration Physiology
• +5 more

Helmut Kovac is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, University of Graz. His research focuses on thermal biology, energetics, and respiration in insects, particularly honeybees and wasps. He collaborates closely with Anton Stabentheiner to investigate thermal behavior in individuals and colonies, aiming to understand regulatory mechanisms of social thermoregulation. Ecophysiological studies on foraging efficiency involve field measurements of temperature and respiration to model energetic strategies. Additionally, his work explores respiration physiology in insects under temperature changes, assessing survival in warming environments. Grants: Austrian Science Fund (FWF) Projects P20802-B16 (foraging energetics) and P25042-B16 (thermal tolerance of insects). Research emphasizes ecological and behavioral physiology, with contributions to understanding insect adaptation to environmental changes. His work integrates field studies and theoretical models to address thermodynamic challenges in insect energetics.

• Evolutionary ecology
• Population genetics
• Conservation biology
• +3 more

Franck Dedeine is a Researcher at the University of Tours, affiliated with the Department of Animal Biology and Genetics within the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques. He is part of the UMR CNRS 7261 - Research Institute on Insect Biology (IRBI). His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, population genetics, and conservation biology, particularly exploring host-symbiont interactions, reproductive systems diversity, and the genetic basis of invasive species' success. His work uses subterranean termites (e.g., Reticulitermes species) as model organisms to investigate reproductive system variations and microbiota symbiotic dynamics. Key research themes include understanding the eco-evolutionary origins of biological variations and the role of microbial symbionts in host adaptation and ecological specialization. Publications highlight studies on termite invasion dynamics, microbial symbiosis impacts, and genomic approaches to classification. His work bridges evolutionary biology, genomics, and ecology, with a focus on insect-microbiome interactions and invasive species biology. Dr. Dedeine collaborates on projects addressing termite phylogeography, metagenomic analysis, and the genetic mechanisms underlying ecological adaptation. His research contributes to both fundamental understanding of symbiosis and applied insights into invasive species management.

• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Hormonal Mediation of Behavior
• +4 more

Marlene Goubault-Body is a Professor of Behavioral Ecology at the University of Tours, France. She leads research in the ESORE team (Social Evolution and Response to the Environment) at the Institute for Research on Insect Biology (IRBI, UMR CNRS 7261). Her work focuses on behavioral and evolutionary ecology, including conflict resolution in animal competition, hormonal influences on aggression, and reciprocal mate choice dynamics. She also co-directs the Animal Biology and Genetics teaching department and co-heads the Master 2 Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution program. Education: Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR), 2014, University of Tours PhD in Life Sciences, 2000–2003, University of Rennes 1 Postdoctoral Research Assistant, 2004–2007, University of Nottingham (UK) Research Themes: She investigates game theory applications to animal competition, hormonal regulation of behavior (juvenile hormone/ecdysteroids), and reproductive conflicts between sexes/same-sex individuals. Recent projects include biodiversity assessment techniques in vineyards of Centre-Val de Loire, collaborating with CETU INNOPHYT to identify landscape/cultural factors impacting arthropod diversity. Location: Office 1330, Building I, 1st floor, Parc de Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France. Tel: +33 (0)2 47 36 70 87.

• Animal Behavior
• Neuroethology
• Insect Cognition
• +4 more

Fernando Guerrieri is an Associate Professor at the University of Tours, affiliated with the Research Institute on Insect Biology (IRBI - UMR CNRS 7261) and the Department of Animal Biology and Genetics. His work focuses on understanding how organisms interpret their environment, particularly through studies on perception, learning, and memory in insects such as mosquitoes, ants, and honeybees. He teaches courses in organismal biology, ecophysiology, and behavioral ecology at undergraduate and graduate levels. Research interests include insect cognition, neuroethology, and the ecological interactions of aquatic insects with cyanobacteria. His recent work highlights knowledge gaps in freshwater ecosystems and the impact of environmental factors on insect behavior. Publications span over two decades, emphasizing behavioral adaptations, chemical communication, and learning mechanisms in social insects. While no explicit awards are listed, his extensive research output reflects significant contributions to entomology and behavioral ecology.

• Mosquito Ecology
• Insect Biology
• Agro-ecology
• +3 more

Kathleen R. Walker is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Arizona, Tucson, where she has been affiliated since 2002. Her work focuses on mosquito ecology, vector-borne diseases, and agro-ecology. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.A. in Biology from Harvard/Radcliffe University. Dr. Walker teaches courses on Insect Biology, Agro-ecology, and Science Outreach, emphasizing practical fieldwork and community engagement. Her research explores the ecological and social drivers of arbovirus transmission, particularly dengue and Zika, in arid regions like the Arizona-Sonora border. She leads initiatives such as the Great Arizona Mosquito Hunt, a citizen science project enhancing vector surveillance. Collaborations include the U.S. EPA, USAID, and Mexican health authorities. Her studies address mosquito longevity, vector competence, and public perception of control measures. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on tick and mosquito biology, climate impacts, and disease prevention strategies.

Mario GrijalvaView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Immunoparasitology
• Tropical Diseases
• +13 more

Mario Grijalva is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University , where he also serves as Director of the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI). He is an affiliated faculty member of the Center for International Studies and leads collaborative research with the Center for Research on Health in Latin America (CISeAL) in Quito, Ecuador. Education: B.S. in Biology, Catholic University, Quito, Ecuador (1991) Ph.D. in Immuno-parasitology and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University (1997) Postdoctoral Training in Immunology and Molecular Parasitology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1997–1999) His research focuses on Chagas disease , encompassing immunopathology, vector biology, epidemiology, and blood supply safety. He studies Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in Ecuador and the U.S., with emphasis on sylvatic and domestic cycles, triatomine vectors, and mammalian reservoirs. His work integrates molecular biology, serology, and ecological modeling. A key initiative is the Healthy Living Initiative , which promotes long-term disease control through socioeconomic development in rural Ecuador. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in vector genetics , epidemiological modeling , and community-based health interventions . Themes include species differentiation in triatomines, genetic diversity of T. cruzi , and the role of social behavior in disease prevention. His interdisciplinary approach spans microbiology, public health, and development studies. Scientific Contributions: Director, Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (2006–present) Visiting Professor, Catholic University, Ecuador (2000–present) Director, Center for Research on Health in Latin America (2000–present) External Evaluator for Ecuador’s Blood Bank Screening Program (2002–2015) He mentors a wide range of students, from undergraduate to PhD and medical levels, both at Ohio University and in Ecuador. His advising spans biological sciences, epidemiology, Latin American studies, and public health. He teaches courses such as Tropical Disease Biology , Cross-Cultural Issues in Tropical Diseases , and Healthy Living: Health, Communication and Development . His laboratory operates in Athens, Ohio, and Quito, Ecuador, supporting field and lab research on Chagas disease. He has established research infrastructure in Ecuador and promotes training and capacity building for local scientists.

Luke HolmanView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Sexual Selection
• Animal Communication
• +7 more

Dr. Luke Holman is an Associate Professor in the School of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University, where he conducts research at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genetics, and behavior. His work combines empirical studies on insects like fruit flies and social insects with theoretical models and modern genomic techniques. He also serves as the Commissioning Editor for the Journal of Evolutionary Biology and is active in the European Society for Evolutionary Biology. Dr. Holman's educational background includes: BSc and PhD from the University of Sheffield (2000-2007) Marie Curie Fellowship at Copenhagen University Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellowship at Australian National University Senior Lecturer position at University of Melbourne (2016-2020) His research spans multiple areas of evolutionary biology, with particular focus on sexual selection, social insect biology, and the evolution of communication systems. Dr. Holman investigates how genetic variation is maintained despite selection pressures, with special attention to sex-specific selection and intralocus sexual conflict. His work on queen pheromones in social insects has identified key mechanisms regulating worker sterility in ants, wasps, and bumblebees. He also conducts meta-science research examining gender representation in STEM fields and scientific practices. Analysis of Dr. Holman's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on sex-specific selection across diverse taxa, from Drosophila to humans. His work often combines genomic approaches with evolutionary theory to understand how selection operates differently on males and females. A recurring theme is the investigation of genetic conflicts, including meiotic drive systems and mitochondrial inheritance patterns. His research increasingly incorporates large-scale genomic datasets and computational methods to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology. Dr. Holman has received several prestigious fellowships supporting his research: Marie Curie Fellowship Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Dr. Holman supervises PhD students including Tully Osmond (studying parasite effects on food webs) and Alfie Gordon (researching nitric oxide utilization). He leads multiple research projects, including 'The effects of parasites on food web structure and dynamics' funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (£53,500). His teaching responsibilities include Research Methods, Animal Behaviour, and specialized courses in evolutionary biology and genetics. As Commissioning Editor for the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, he plays a key role in shaping the field's scholarly discourse. Dr. Holman is affiliated with the Animal and Plant Science Research Group and the Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science at Edinburgh Napier University. His research group combines wet lab approaches with computational analyses, working with model systems including Drosophila fruit flies and honeybees. He collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe and Australia, maintaining an active role in the evolutionary biology research community through editorial work and leadership in professional societies.

Cassondra VernierView profile

Assistant Professor

• Organismal Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• +7 more

Cassondra Vernier is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology within the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. She teaches courses including BIO 136: College Molecular and Cell Biology I and BIO 111: Science, the Environment, and Sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University B.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan Her research lies at the intersection of molecular biology and behavioral ecology, focusing on organismal mechanisms that govern social behaviors in insect systems. Specifically, she investigates how gut microbiota may influence behavioral trait variation in the honey bee ( Apis mellifera ), bridging microbiome science with neuroethology and evolutionary biology. No recent publications are listed in the available text, so no publication trends can be analyzed at this time. There are no scientific awards mentioned in the provided information. Dr. Vernier advises students through her teaching and research activities, though no specific advisees are listed. There is no mention of external research grants or funding sources in the current data. She conducts her research independently within the institutional framework of UW-Stout. There is no specific mention of a research lab, team, or collaborative group led by Dr. Vernier in the provided content.

• Entomology
• Invasion Biology
• Pest Control
• +7 more

Dr. Silvia Abril Melendez is a faculty member at the University of Girona, where she serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Sciences. Her academic work spans teaching, research, and industry collaboration, with a strong focus on zoology and entomology, particularly the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). Her research interests lie at the intersection of invasion biology, pest control, chemical ecology, and reproductive physiology of social insects. She investigates the biology of the Argentine ant to develop improved control methods, including biocide efficacy testing and disruption-based strategies targeting chemical communication and reproductive behavior. Her work combines laboratory and field studies, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical applications in pest management. The recent articles highlight a clear trend toward applied and translational research, bridging fundamental entomological knowledge with industrial and environmental needs. Themes include biocide testing, product reformulation, market evaluation, and the development of novel control strategies based on physiological and behavioral disruption. Keywords span entomology, ecology, chemical communication, and applied pest management, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach. Prize from the Catalan Institution of Natural History Young Researchers Award from the Spanish Association of Entomology Extraordinary Doctorate Award from the University of Girona (Environment track) Dr. Abril Melendez has co-directed two doctoral theses on winter nest eradication in Argentine ants and has led numerous industry-funded research projects, particularly in biocide efficacy testing and product development. Her grants and collaborations stem from competitive R&D projects and knowledge transfer agreements with national and international companies, facilitated through the University of Girona. These efforts have enabled technology transfer and real-world application of research findings. She is a member of the Research Group in Animal Biology (Grup de Recerca en Biologia Animal) and has been involved with the Gr-PECAT research group, a government-recognized consolidated research team focused on pest control and environmental impact.

Stacy EndrissView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant invasions
• Plant-insect interactions
• Rapid evolution of plant populations
• +6 more

Stacy Endriss is an evolutionary ecologist with appointments as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech and as Adjunct Faculty at the University of North Carolina Wilmington . Her work bridges eco-evolutionary theory and applied conservation, focusing on plant invasions , plant-insect interactions , and biological control . Research Interests : Eco-evolutionary dynamics in invasive species Accountability frameworks for invasive species management Rapid evolution of plant populations under climate stress Acoustic monitoring for biodiversity assessment Dispersal ecology and social behavior Publications span 2018–2025, emphasizing biocontrol efficacy , plant defense evolution , and invasion-driven ecological shifts . Collaborations include the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (acoustic monitoring), Chemnitz University of Technology (BirdNET AI), and regional land managers. Advising : Mentored over 50 students across career stages. Current graduate students include Sarah Branagan (distribution ecology) and Taylor Darnell (knotweed complex). Former students like Taylor Mattioli (Marsh Organ experiment) and Mikaila Reynolds (lab management) continue to advance conservation.

Michael OhlView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Insect Taxonomy
• Phylogenetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +2 more

Michael Ohl is an Adjunct Professor at Humboldt-University zu Berlin and serves as a Senior Researcher at the Museum of Natural History Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research. He is Curator for Neuropterida, Orthopteroidea, and Sphecidae wasps, and holds leadership roles including Deputy Head of Science Programme Collection Development and Biodiversity Discovery and Head of the Biodiversity Discovery Department. Curator for Neuropterida, Orthopteroidea, and Sphecidae Deputy Head of Science Programme Collection Development and Biodiversity Discovery Head of Entomological Collections Adjunct Professor at Humboldt-University zu Berlin His research focuses on the taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution of holometabolous insects, particularly Hymenoptera (wasps, bees, ants) and Neuropterida (lacewings). He specializes in apoid wasps (Ampulicidae, Heterogynaidae, Sphecidae, Crabronidae) and Mantispidae, integrating morphological, molecular, and historical data. His work also explores theoretical systematics and the history of biological classification. Recent publications include studies on mantispid taxonomy, phylogenomic analysis of Apoidea, and the role of scientific taxonomy in conservation. He has authored books on insect natural history and nomenclature. Michael Ohl leads DFG-funded projects on sting apparatus evolution and antennal morphology in aculeate wasps. His academic contributions span over 15 peer-reviewed articles, including cladistic analyses, fossil records, and global biodiversity initiatives.

• Meat Consumption
• Alternative Protein
• Food Systems
• +7 more

Hans Dagevos is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in consumer behavior and food systems within the Social Sciences Group. His work focuses on the protein transition, meat alternatives, and sustainable diets through Wageningen Social & Economic Research and WOT Natuur & Milieu. His research spans critical areas including Meat Consumption , Alternative Protein , Plant-Based Food Systems , and Consumer Behavior . Dagevos investigates behavioral interventions for dietary change, supermarket strategies for protein transitions, and the development of hybrid meat alternatives. His work emphasizes gradual behavior change and policy tools to accelerate sustainable food adoption. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical implementation of protein transitions, with emphasis on retail dynamics, nutritional optimization of meat substitutes, and cultural acceptance of novel protein sources. His research bridges academic theory with real-world applications in food policy and consumer engagement. Dagevos actively supervises PhD research, including E. Bouwman's project on the meat paradox. His project leadership includes major initiatives like Versnellingsagenda nieuwe eiwitten (2022-2026) and Omvang en potentieel van eiwitproductie (2021-2022). He contributes extensively to public discourse through 91 press/media appearances and 17 lectures on topics ranging from flexitarianism to edible insects. His research unit, Wageningen Social & Economic Research, operates at the intersection of consumer science, food innovation, and sustainable policy development.

• Agricultural and Biological Sciences
• Immunology and Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• +3 more

Gerrit Gort is an Assistant Professor at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in Mathematical and Statistical Methods within Biometris. His research spans agricultural sciences, microbiology, and ecological systems, with significant contributions to insect-based solutions, plant defense mechanisms, and statistical modeling. Recent work includes: Investigating female dominance in bonobos (Communications Biology, 2025) Reducing GHG emissions in dairy cattle systems (J. Environmental Management, 2025) Seagrass recovery patterns across the North Atlantic (Global Change Biology, 2025) Tick control using fungal biopesticides in Kenyan cattle (Parasite Epidemiology and Control, 2024) His research integrates statistical analysis with applied biological systems, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and ecological resilience. Collaborative networks include institutions across Europe and Africa, with datasets spanning soil microbiology, parasite ecology, and animal behavior studies.