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Katherine BrownView profile

Associate Professor

• Forensic Entomology
• Taphonomy
• Aquatic Forensics
• +7 more

Dr. Katherine Brown is an Associate Professor and Associate Head (Students) in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. She is actively involved in forensic research, particularly in forensic entomology, taphonomy with an aquatic focus, and the application of 3D technologies such as VR, 360 imagery, and 3D printing in forensic science. She is currently accepting PhD students and supervising research in these areas. Her research interests center on the development of Calliphoridae (blowflies), aquatic taphonomy, and innovative forensic methodologies. She employs advanced 3D imaging and printing techniques to reconstruct fragmented skeletal remains and improve postmortem interval estimation. Her work integrates entomological, morphological, and technological approaches to solve complex forensic cases. Dr. Brown has published extensively from 2012 to 2025, with recent articles focusing on pan-European taphonomic infrastructure, the use of blowfly larvae in offender identification, and annual colonization patterns in Southern England. Her publications demonstrate a consistent trend in interdisciplinary forensic science, combining biology, technology, and criminology to advance forensic methodologies and evidence interpretation. She has supervised PhD students including H. McGonigal and A. L. Clarke, and has been involved in multiple research projects and conference presentations. Her work has been featured in exhibitions at The Natural History Museum and has received attention in news outlets and social media, reflecting its public and academic impact. Dr. Brown leads and collaborates on significant projects such as the UK-Netherlands Decomposition Experimental Research (UNDER) Group, aiming to establish a pan-European taphonomic research infrastructure. Her interdisciplinary approach is evident in projects optimizing DNA profiling in sexual offences through user-centered design. She is affiliated with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and contributes to academic and public understanding through exhibitions like Locust War and The Locust, The Empire and The Museum , which explore historical and scientific intersections of entomology and colonialism.

Robert D. RenthalView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Cell Membranes
• +11 more

Robert D. Renthal is a Professor in the Department of Biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), within the College of Sciences. He also holds a joint appointment with the Biochemistry Department at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His research focuses on the biochemistry and biophysics of cell membranes, insect chemical communication, and the structural dynamics of transmembrane proteins. Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Columbia University (1972) A.B. in Chemistry, Princeton University (1967) Dr. Renthal's research interests center on membrane protein structure and function, particularly bacteriorhodopsin and transmembrane helix interactions. He has pioneered methods in pheromone discovery in insects, especially in the red imported fire ant. His work bridges biophysics, biochemistry, and entomology, with applications in pest control and protein engineering. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on membrane dynamics, protein-lipid interactions, and insect sensory biology. Themes include helix-helix association in transmembrane domains, antennal chemosensory proteins, and energy transfer in live bacterial cells. These works span structural biology, chemical ecology, and molecular imaging. University of Texas at San Antonio President's Distinguished Service Award for Research (1989) University of Texas at San Antonio Innovation of Excellence Award (2013) Dr. Renthal has mentored numerous students and researchers through his lab at UTSA. His research has been supported by various grants, particularly in the areas of membrane biophysics and insect pheromone discovery. He holds two U.S. patents for methods of pheromone discovery in insects, indicating translational impact. His lab actively investigates membrane protein folding, insect antennal structures, and live-cell imaging techniques. The Renthal Lab conducts interdisciplinary research in three main areas: membrane biophysics (focusing on transmembrane helices and protein folding), insect chemical ecology (including pheromone-binding proteins and antennal glands), and cell imaging (using luminescence resonance energy transfer in live bacteria). The lab integrates biochemical, biophysical, and entomological approaches to study fundamental biological processes.

Aletta BonnView profile

Professor

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Ecosystem Services
• Nature-based Solutions
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Aletta Bonn is Head of Department at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, affiliated with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig. She leads research in Conservation Biology & Social-Ecological Systems within the Research Unit Ecosystems of the Future, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human-environment interactions. Her research interests span Biodiversity Conservation , Ecosystem Services , Nature-based Solutions , Citizen Science , Urban and Landscape Ecology , and Climate Change Adaptation . She investigates how human well-being is interconnected with biodiversity and how participatory science can bridge research, policy, and society. Recent publications highlight trends in urban biodiversity , nature-health connections , thermal comfort in forests , and the use of emerging technologies in citizen science. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches integrating ecology, social sciences, and public health. She has co-authored influential books including Citizen Science – Innovation in Open Science, Society and Policy (2018), Nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation in urban areas (2017), and Peatland Restoration and Ecosystem Services (2016), which are widely recognized in the field. Aletta Bonn actively supervises graduate and postdoctoral researchers and promotes opportunities in her Ecosystem Services group. She is deeply engaged in science-policy interfaces and public outreach, advancing integrative biodiversity research for a sustainable future.

Eleni KatiforiView profile

Associate Professor

• Biological Transport Networks
• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• +5 more

Eleni Katifori is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Affairs Chair in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. She previously served as an Assistant Professor at Penn (2015-2020), was a Visiting Professor at Université Paris Diderot (2017), led an independent research group at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (2012-2014), and was a Fellow at Rockefeller University's Center for Physics and Biology (2008-2012). Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University (2008) and a B.S. from the University of Athens, Greece (2002). These foundational experiences established her interdisciplinary approach bridging physics and biology. Dr. Katifori's research focuses on the theoretical physics of biological transport networks, examining how systems like plant vasculature and animal circulatory systems achieve optimal functionality through evolutionary pressures. Her work investigates the topological properties of these networks, their resilience to damage, and the physical principles governing their development. She employs mathematical modeling to understand how hierarchical structures in biological flow systems balance competing demands of cost, efficiency, and robustness. Her approach integrates concepts from soft matter physics, network theory, and biophysics to uncover universal principles applicable across biological scales. Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent focus on the mathematical foundations of biological flow networks, with increasing sophistication in topological analysis methods. Her work demonstrates how network architecture determines functional capabilities and resilience properties, with significant contributions to understanding hierarchical organization in biological systems and the physical constraints shaping network evolution. Simons Investigators in the Mathematical Modeling of Living Systems (2018) NSF Career Award (2016) Burroughs Wellcome Career Award at the Scientific Interface (2011) 2021 APS Early Career Award in Soft Matter Research APS DSOFT Early Career Award Member at Large, APS Topical Group on Soft Matter (2018-2021) Dr. Katifori actively mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, with several notable advisees including Henrik Ronellenfitsch, Sean Fancher, and Yongtian Luo. Her research is supported by multiple prestigious grants, including her Simons Investigator award which provides sustained research funding for mathematical modeling of living systems. She has established a productive research group that combines theoretical physics with biological applications, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across physics, biology, and mathematics. Her laboratory focuses on developing mathematical frameworks to analyze biological transport networks, with particular emphasis on leaf venation patterns, vascular systems, and the physical principles underlying their evolution and function. The group employs computational modeling, topological analysis, and theoretical physics approaches to uncover fundamental principles governing biological flow systems.

Theodore Eugene BurkView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Biology
• Conservation Biology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Theodore Eugene Burk is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Creighton University . He earned his D.Phil. in Zoology from the University of Oxford and has been a faculty member at Creighton since 1982. His academic leadership includes serving as Department Chair (1990–2000) and Interim Chair of Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences (2002–2003). B.A. in Biology, University of Kansas (1974) D.Phil. in Zoology, University of Oxford (1979) Research Interests : Dr. Burk specializes in insect conservation biology and behavioral ecology , focusing on: Butterfly and pollinator conservation Insect communication and social behavior Forensic entomology applications Citizen science for habitat monitoring Fire management impacts on prairies Invasive species ecology Publication Trends : His work spans entomology , conservation biology , and ecological education , with a focus on prairie ecosystems, forensic entomology, and public engagement in insect conservation. Scientific Awards : Distinguished Faculty Award for 30 years in Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Education Creighton College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Awards for Teaching, Advising, and Service Father William Kelly Awards for Teaching and Service 'Iggy Award' for Jesuit Cura Personalis (2012, 2014, 2020) Additional Contributions : Dr. Burk has received NSF grants for collaborative behavioral biology research and actively contributes to Glacier Creek Preserve management . He co-authored the textbook Biology of Animal Behavior and has published over 30 papers.

Luca FumagalliView profile

Associate Professor

• Conservation Genetics
• Molecular Ecology
• Population Genetics
• +4 more

Luca Fumagalli is an Associate Professor at the University of Lausanne since 2023, leading the Conservation Genetics Section within the Department of Ecology and Evolution under the Faculty of Biology and Medicine . With a career spanning over two decades at the University of Lausanne, he has held roles such as Maître d'enseignement et de recherche (2005–2022), Privat-docent (2002–2022), and Maître-assistant (2000–2022). Research Interests: His work focuses on conservation genetics , molecular ecology , and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding , addressing critical issues like hybridization between species , genetic diversity loss , and non-invasive wildlife monitoring . Notable contributions include studies on wolf-dog hybrids , avian malaria vectors , and genetic profiling of large carnivores via snow tracks . Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize eDNA applications for amphibian habitat use , primate dietary variation , and herbivore niche overlap . His group explores hybridization dynamics , MHC diversity in birds , and robotics in biodiversity monitoring . Education and Collaborations: He earned his PhD in Zoology and Ecology from the University of Lausanne (1984–1995) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Queensland (1996–1997). Collaborations include projects with the Institute of Human Forensic (since 2003) and institutions in Australia, China, and Ghana. Students and Grants: Supervised PhD candidates like Judith Schneider and Eduard Mas-Carrió , and Master’s students such as Loïc Brun and Carlo Ossola . His research is funded by ERC and SNSF Starting Grants , with a focus on conservation policy and genetic forensics . Labs and Teams: Leads the Laboratory for Conservation Biology (LCB) , integrating multidisciplinary approaches for threatened species management . The group collaborates with governmental agencies , NGOs , and forensic institutions to apply genetic tools in species reintroduction , hybrid detection , and ecosystem surveillance .

Robert HuberView profile

Professor

• Neuropharmacology
• Drug Addiction
• Aggression
• +3 more

Dr. Robert Huber is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Bowling Green State University (College of Arts and Sciences). His research focuses on the neuropharmacology of drug addiction and aggression , employing invertebrate models like crayfish and Drosophila to study neurochemical mechanisms underlying motivational states in behavior. Ph.D. from Texas Tech University Office: 227B Life Sciences Building Email: rh.bgsu@gmail.com Phone: (419) 372-7492 Using neuroethological, pharmacological, and molecular approaches , his lab examines how amines influence behavioral choices in animals. The structured behavior of crayfish and the genetic tractability of fruit flies provide unique platforms for studying neural designs and self-structuring behavioral properties. Research Trends : Recent publications focus on synthetic cathinones in invertebrate behavior , automated behavioral screening , and neurochemical measures across diverse species. The lab combines comparative neurobiology with quantitative analysis to uncover fundamental principles of motivational mechanisms. The lab specializes in: Neurochemical analysis (HPLC, amine detection) Automated behavioral screening Drosophila sleep-feeding interactions Crayfish aggression models Self-structuring behavioral properties

Daina Matise SchubigerView profile

Lecturer

• Consumer Behavior
• Sustainable Marketing
• Entomophagy Adoption
• +7 more

Daina Matise Schubiger serves as a Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) within the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS). Holding dual responsibilities as both a faculty member and Co-Program Director for the Bachelor's program in Leisure Management, she maintains active roles in teaching, research supervision, and curriculum development. Her academic appointments include positions in the Basic Training Division (FBDEASS) with current affiliation status as of July 2022. Her educational background features a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Communication and Economics (majoring in Marketing) with summa cum laude honors from the University of Italian Switzerland (USI). Additional qualifications include a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Teaching from SUPSI and specialized training in Service Automation from the London School of Economics. Research interests focus on cutting-edge consumer behavior topics with particular emphasis on entomophagy adoption among Generation Z , sustainable marketing practices, and the application of extended realities in consumption contexts. Her work bridges theoretical marketing frameworks with practical industry applications, especially in leisure management and healthcare marketing sectors. Current projects investigate Western consumer resistance to insect-based foods and the role of virtual reality in overcoming dietary barriers. Publication trends reveal concentrated expertise in sustainable consumption patterns, with 9 peer-reviewed outputs between 2017-2024. Her research methodology combines mixed approaches including stakeholder interviews with quantitative analysis of generational consumer data. Key thematic clusters emerge around novel food acceptance, digital marketing innovation, and post-pandemic leisure sector transformation. Teaching responsibilities encompass comprehensive course leadership across the Leisure Management curriculum, including Innovation Marketing, Integrated Digital & Sustainable Marketing, and Thesis supervision. She also manages the MOOC on Integrated Digital Marketing and Project II research initiatives. Operational projects demonstrate strong industry engagement through collaborations with organizations like Hockey Club Lugano and RUAG Aviation. Current initiatives include the Food Design Thinking and VR in Entomophagy project and the Campus Bleniese feasibility study, reflecting her commitment to translating academic research into practical business solutions.

G. Matthew FrickeView profile

Associate Professor

• Distributed Systems
• Swarm Robotics
• Complex Adaptive Systems
• +4 more

Dr. G. Matthew Fricke is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of New Mexico, affiliated with the Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC) and Moses Biological Computation Lab. His research explores decentralized systems including supercomputing clusters, robot swarms, social insects, and immune responses, with additional focus on AI ethics and biosignatures. Education: BA in Anthropology (Archaeology), Appalachian State University BS in Mathematics, University of New Mexico MS in Artificial Intelligence, University of New Mexico PhD in Computer Science, University of New Mexico Research Interests: Dr. Fricke's work bridges robotics, computational biology, and earth sciences. Key areas include bio-inspired swarm algorithms for volcanic gas monitoring, immune system modeling for search optimization, machine learning applications in climate science, and complexity measures for biosignature detection. His interdisciplinary approach combines field robotics with theoretical frameworks from complex adaptive systems. Publications: Recent articles demonstrate strong trends in environmental robotics (volcanic drone swarms), causal inference in climate systems, and molecular complexity analysis. Works frequently integrate machine learning with empirical field data, spanning geoscience, immunology, and astrobiology. Student Advising: Mentored multiple PhD candidates including Jannatul Ferdous (immune system modeling), John Ericksen (aerial robotics), Jake Nichol (climate causality), Humayra Tasnim (information theory), and MS student Quincy Wofford (distributed systems). Projects & Labs: Leads robotics initiatives like VolCAN (volcanic CO2 mapping) and SIMReef (coral ecosystem modeling). Collaborates with NASA on swarm robotics challenges and supercomputing education through UNM's student cluster competition teams.

• Numerical Analysis
• Numerical Linear Algebra
• Optimization
• +3 more

Dr. Jan Van Lent is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics at the University of the West of England , affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and its Engineering, Design and Mathematics department. His academic focus spans numerical methods, computational mathematics, and interdisciplinary applications in biological modeling. His research interests include Numerical Analysis , Numerical Linear Algebra , Optimization , Scientific Computing , Machine Learning , and Optimal Transport . He has contributed extensively to numerical methods for PDEs and multigrid techniques, alongside interdisciplinary work in ant colony behavior modeling. His publications reflect a strong emphasis on multigrid methods for partial differential equations (e.g., energy-minimizing coarse spaces , implicit Runge–Kutta discretizations ), with applications in both traditional numerical analysis and biological systems. His 2020 work on Python in teaching highlights his pedagogical contributions to computational education.

Heather MattilaView profile

Professor

• Animal societies
• Insect communication
• Evolution of cooperation
• +4 more

Heather Mattila is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Wellesley College, specializing in the study of social insect biology with a primary focus on honey bees. Her research explores how communication and genetic diversity within colonies generate organization and productivity. Education: B.S., University of Guelph Ph.D., University of Guelph Her work addresses both basic (evolution of cooperation) and applied (pollination services, colony health) aspects of honey bee biology through field observations, genetic studies, and collaborations with student researchers. She teaches courses like Animal Behavior with Laboratory and a seminar on social insect biology, emphasizing hands-on learning with live organisms. Recent publications analyze hornet invasion potential, microbial interactions in honey bees, and the impacts of nutritional stress. Her research also involves outreach to beekeeper associations regarding colony productivity and food supply safety.

Ignacio MooreView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Endocrinology
• Physiological Ecology
• Behavioral Ecology
• +3 more

Ignacio Moore serves as Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, leading research on behavioral endocrinology and physiological ecology of tropical birds, reptiles, and amphibians. His work integrates field studies in Ecuador and Madagascar with laboratory analyses to investigate stress-reproduction interactions and social behavior networks. His educational background includes: PhD in Zoology from Oregon State University (1999), dissertation: Stress and Reproduction in Male Garter Snakes under Dr. Robert T. Mason BS in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona (1994) Dr. Moore's research focuses on physiological adaptations to environmental challenges, particularly examining hormonal regulation of cooperative behavior in manakins and stress responses in reptiles. His integrative approach combines endocrinology, genomics, and microbiome analysis to understand evolutionary mechanisms. Current projects include NSF-funded studies on manakin social networks through the Manakin Genomics Research Coordination Group and fieldwork on tree swallow ecology at Virginia Tech's Kentland Farm. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant themes in stress physiology across taxa, with significant focus on glucocorticoid-behavior relationships in snakes and birds, disease-ecology interactions, and genomic underpinnings of social behavior. His work demonstrates increasing methodological integration of field endocrinology with molecular techniques. His honors include multiple Virginia Tech awards: Outstanding Teaching Award (2008), Outstanding Service Award (2010), Certificate of Teaching Excellence (2011), and Outstanding Research Award (2012), alongside early-career fellowships from NSF and the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Dr. Moore actively mentors PhD students including Ben Vernasco (manakin behavior), Jessica Hernandez (tree swallow ecology), Meredith Semel (lemur conservation), and Sydney Hope. His lab secures competitive funding including NSF Graduate Research Fellowships and Rufford Small Grants, supporting field research in Ecuador and Madagascar. The Moore Lab operates through international collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution and Universidad San Francisco de Quito, maintaining long-term field sites at Tiputini Biodiversity Station. The team conducts integrative studies combining behavioral observation, physiological sampling, and genomic analysis to address fundamental questions in evolutionary ecology.

Márton Gáspár NagyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cognitive Psychology
• Statistical Learning
• Developmental Psychology
• +3 more

Márton Gáspár Nagy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University. His research focuses on cognitive psychology, statistical learning, and developmental neuroscience. Research Group: Social Minds Research Group Role: Academic Researcher Institution: Eötvös Loránd University His work investigates statistical learning mechanisms across modalities, visual chunking, and attentional processes. He examines how humans and honeybees process complex stimuli, with recent publications analyzing pupil dynamics, temporal asynchrony, and neural signatures of memory in infants and adults. Current trends in his publications include cross-modal statistical learning (2018–2021), visual pattern recognition (2017–2022), and comparative cognitive studies between species (2019–2020). Key themes involve cognitive adaptation, sensory integration, and neural plasticity.

Charles ClaudianosView profile

Professor

• Neurogenetics
• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• +6 more

Charles Claudianos is a Professor at the Division of Biomedical Science and Biochemistry within the Research School of Biology at The Australian National University (ANU). He is affiliated with the Maier Group, focusing on molecular mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis, and contributes to interdisciplinary research bridging neuroscience and entomology. Role: Professor Institution: Australian National University Group: Maier Group Email: charles.claudianos@anu.edu.au Research Interests span neurogenetics, epigenetics, and molecular biology of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. His work explores microRNA regulation of synaptic plasticity, DNA methylation dynamics in honeybee learning, and molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in insects. Publications highlight trends in microRNA roles in brain development, autism-associated gene networks, epigenetic adaptations in insect behavior, and molecular insecticide resistance. Key subfields include neurodevelopmental disorders, computational genomics, and synaptic signaling. Laboratory & Collaborations: He collaborates with the Maier Group, focusing on malaria pathogenesis, and engages in cross-disciplinary research involving Drosophila , honeybees, and biomedical data analysis.

Thomas GregorView profile

Professor

• Biophysical Approaches to Systems and Developmental Biology
• Multicellular Pattern Formation
• Transcriptional Regulation in Development
• +7 more

Thomas Gregor is a Professor of Physics and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University. He also holds a position as Professor of Physics and Biophysics, and maintains affiliations with the Molecular Biology Department. His laboratory, the Laboratory for the Physics of Life, is dedicated to studying the basic physical principles that govern multicellular life from a physics perspective. Gregor earned his M.S. in physics from the Université de Genève in Switzerland and his Ph.D. in biophysics from Princeton University. He also leads the unit "Physics of Biological Function" in the Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. Dr. Gregor's research focuses on understanding biological development—the process through which an organism grows from a single cell into a differentiated, multicellular organism—from a physics perspective. His primary research interests include: Multicellular pattern formation Transcriptional regulation in developmental contexts Molecular limits to biochemical sensing Emergence of collective behaviors in multicellular systems Physics of cellular processes and gene regulatory networks His laboratory employs a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches, building state-of-the-art microscopes and microfluidics devices while applying tools from statistical mechanics. They primarily work with Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) and Dictyostelium discoideum (social amoeba) as model organisms. Analysis of Dr. Gregor's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on quantitative approaches to developmental biology. His work bridges physics and biology, examining transcriptional dynamics, morphogen gradients, and pattern formation with precision measurements. The research demonstrates how physical principles govern biological development, with particular emphasis on information transmission, precision, and reproducibility in genetic networks. Dr. Gregor has received several notable scientific honors: ERC Synergy Grant (2023) Searle Scholarship (2010) Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society Elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) As an advisor, Dr. Gregor mentors graduate students across multiple departments including physics, biology, computer science, engineering and applied mathematics. His laboratory is highly interdisciplinary, supporting research in biophysics, developmental biology, and quantitative approaches to biological systems. He has been involved with several training programs including the Biophysics Graduate Program, NIH NHGRI Training Program, and QCB Graduate Program at Princeton. The Laboratory for the Physics of Life is part of Princeton's Physics Department, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, and Molecular Biology Department. The lab maintains a strong theoretical influence alongside experimental work, designing analytical and numerical models drawn from statistical mechanics to test and guide experiments. Current research themes include precision in early mammalian development, size control in insect development, super-resolution imaging of subnuclear structures, optogenetic pathway activation, and information transmission in developmental pathways.