Find Academic Supervisors

Mark LewisView profile

Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Spatial Ecology
• Animal Movement Modelling
• +7 more

Mark Lewis is the Kennedy Chair in Mathematical Biology at the University of Victoria, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Biology. His research focuses on spatial ecology and mathematical modeling, addressing ecological challenges such as animal movement, invasive species, and disease dynamics. Lewis earned his D.Phil. in Mathematical Biology from the University of Oxford and has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society UK. His work integrates mathematical analysis, field studies, and interdisciplinary approaches to solve ecological problems. Current projects include modeling polar bear populations, cyanobacteria dynamics, and the impact of climate change on wildlife. Lewis supervises students across both UVic and his former University of Alberta lab. Education: D.Phil. in Mathematics (Mathematical Biology), University of Oxford Awards: Royal Society Fellowship, CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize, and Okubo Prize Key Research Areas: Animal movement modeling, aquatic ecology, wildlife disease, and invasive species management Publications highlight his contributions to understanding disease spread, parasite dynamics, and ecological responses to environmental changes. Lewis collaborates widely, applying mathematical tools to real-world conservation and health challenges.

Thomas WhiteView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Dr Thomas White is a Senior Lecturer and ARC Discovery Early Career Fellow at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney. He leads the Sensory and Evolutionary Ecology (SEE) Lab, focusing on understanding how organisms gather and exchange information to solve ecological challenges. His research spans adaptive evolution, communication systems, and the ecological consequences of sensory interactions, with particular emphasis on insects and invertebrates. Current research themes include predator-prey deception (e.g., spider lures), pollinator behavior, and the ethics of invertebrate welfare. He coordinates courses such as LIFE4000 and BIOL2033, integrating field experiments, modeling, and meta-analysis. Notable awards include the ARC DECRA Fellowship and grants from the Hermon Slade Foundation. His lab actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including software tools for color analysis (e.g., pavo package in R). Students advised include Georgie Brennan, Kristin Hubakk, and Rui Shi, exploring topics like pollination systems and spider communication. Key Projects: Nocturnal pollination resilience, invertebrate sociality, and defensive displays Grants: ARC DECRA (2020), Australia & Pacific Science Foundation (2024) Labs/Teams: Sensory and Evolutionary Ecology (SEE) Lab at University of Sydney

Susanne FoitzikView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Host-Parasite Coevolution
• +13 more

Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, where she leads the Evolution & Behavioral Ecology of Ants research group at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME). Previously, she was Professor in Behavioral Ecology at LMU Munich (2004-2010) and Assistant Professor in Zoology at the University of Regensburg (2000-2004). She earned her PhD in Biology from Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg in 1998. Her research integrates approaches from behavioral ecology through genomics to epigenetics, focusing on ants as model organisms to study complex social behaviors. Host-parasite coevolution and social parasitism in ants Molecular mechanisms underlying division of labor Reversal of the fecundity-longevity trade-off in social insects Gene regulation in phenotypic plasticity Evolution of chemical communication systems Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of social behavior, with particular emphasis on host-parasite interactions, epigenetic regulation of behavior, and genomic adaptations in social insects. Her work increasingly combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional genomic approaches to understand the molecular basis of social evolution. Among her notable scientific achievements: Speaker of Research Training Group 2626 GenEvo: Gene Regulation in Evolution (2019-present) Speaker of EES Master Program funded by VW foundation (2007-2010) DAAD Fellow at State University of New York (1992-93) Prof. Foitzik has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs, including Maide Macit, Tom Sistermans, and Marcel Caminer. Her research is supported by multiple DFG-funded projects investigating host-parasite coevolution, the role of gene regulation in division of labor, and parasite interference in host gene expression. She serves as Handling Editor for Biology Letters and previously served on the editorial board of Insectes Sociaux. Her research group operates within the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME) at Mainz, with laboratory facilities at the Biozentrum I. The group collaborates extensively with researchers across Germany and internationally, including partnerships with institutions in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Bristol, and Tel Aviv.

Xuguo (Joe) ZhouView profile

Professor

• Entomology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Physiology
• +3 more

Xuguo (Joe) Zhou is a Professor of Entomology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding the Kearns, Metcalf and Flint Endowed Chair. He is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on Behavior, physiology, and genomics of social insects Chemical communication in insect systems Insect-plant interactions Recent publications highlight his work in RNA interference mechanisms in beetles, CRISPR gene editing applications in insect pigmentation, and studies on herbicide degradation pathways. These contributions span molecular entomology, agricultural biotechnology, and environmental microbiology. Zhou's work integrates genomic approaches with ecological and physiological studies, particularly evident in his studies on gene function analysis in pest species and development of RNA-based biopesticide strategies. He is based in Morrill Hall, Urbana, Illinois, and can be contacted at xgzhou@illinois.edu.

Heidi BrownView profile

Professor

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Spatial and Temporal Disease Distribution
• Vector-Borne Diseases
• +4 more

Heidi Brown is a Professor and Program Director at the University of Arizona , affiliated with multiple programs including the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Entomology and Insect Science, Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis, and the School of Geography and Development. PhD in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (Yale University) MPH in International Health Promotion (George Washington University) Postdoctoral experience at Oxford University (Zoology) and CDC (Bacterial Diseases Branch) Her research focuses on infectious disease epidemiology , emphasizing the spatial and temporal dynamics of diseases, vector-borne/zoonotic transmission, and environmental determinants of health. She integrates epidemiological and spatial analysis to address climate change impacts on disease patterns. Recent publications highlight her work linking climate variability to infectious diseases like Campylobacter, stakeholder engagement in climate adaptation, and dual hazard response strategies during the 2020 heat-COVID overlap. Her 2019 Fulbright in Brazil and 2023 sabbatical at Heidelberg Institute of Global Health underscore her international expertise. Scientific Awards: Fulbright (2019) She leads projects such as Adaptation Mal-Adaptation Assessment , Climate and Health Adaptation Monitoring Program (CHAMP) , and initiatives on heat health resilience. Her work bridges academic research with practical implementation for state and local health departments.

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Plant Genetics
• +5 more

Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement

Tristan A.F. LongView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary genetics
• Behavioral ecology
• Experimental evolution
• +3 more

Dr. Tristan A.F. Long is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Science in Waterloo, Ontario. A behavioral ecologist and evolutionary geneticist, he focuses on sexual selection and the role of female mate preference variation in evolutionary change. With teaching responsibilities for large introductory biology courses like BI111 and BI393, he has developed innovative active learning techniques using playing cards, iClickers, and role-playing games to teach population genetics and ecological principles. University of Western Ontario - BSc in Honours Ecology and Evolution (1999) University of Guelph - MSc in Zoology (2001) Queen’s University - PhD in Biology (2005) University of California Santa Barbara - Postdoctoral Fellow (2005-2009) University of Toronto - Postdoctoral Fellow (2009-2010) His research examines how female Drosophila melanogaster vary in their mating preferences and how these differences shape evolutionary trajectories. He has published extensively on reproductive plasticity, sexual conflict, and environmental interaction effects. His laboratory combines experimental evolution with computational modeling to explore genetic trade-offs and behavioral adaptations. Scientific awards include the Laurier Teaching Award for Sustained Excellence (2017). He has developed innovative classroom techniques like the Battle of the Beaks exercise for teaching adaptive evolution and an iClicker-based population genetics simulation using playing cards. His 2024 BI393 biostatistics course policy strongly discourages generative AI use due to concerns about educational integrity and environmental impact.

• Spatial epidemiology
• Epidemiology of avian influenza
• Emerging infectious diseases
• +3 more

Marius Gilbert is a Full Professor at Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) since 2023, with dual administrative roles as Vice-rector of Research and Valorization (since 2020) and Vice-rector of Culture and Scientific Mediation (current mandate). He obtained his PhD in spatial epidemiology from ULB in 2001 after studying Agricultural Sciences (1995) and conducting visiting research at Oxford's Department of Zoology. Key Research Areas: Spatial epidemiology of animal diseases and invasive species Impact of agricultural and ecosystem changes on pathogen emergence Specialization in avian influenza and emerging infectious diseases Development of livestock distribution models and antimicrobial resistance tracking Scientific Contributions: His 15 most recent publications (2025-2021) focus on viral phylogeography , livestock-environment interactions , antimicrobial use forecasting , and pandemic response modeling . Notable work includes COVID-19 spatio-temporal analysis and global antibiotic resistance trends in food animals. Public Engagement: Played a central role in French-speaking media during the pandemic , authored the book "Juste un Passage au JT" , and maintains a Le Soir column on science-society intersections. Co-founded the Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL) in 2016, now led by Simon Dellicour.

Niels DingemanseView profile

Professor

• Behavioural Ecology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Animal Personality
• +4 more

Niels Dingemanse is a tenured Professor of Behavioural Ecology at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich, Germany, and leads the Evolutionary Ecology of Variation research group at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology. His academic journey includes roles as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Groningen and the University of Wales, Bangor. He holds a PhD in natural sciences from Utrecht University (2003) and an M.Sc. in Ecology from the University of Groningen (1997). His research focuses on evolutionary and behavioural ecology, particularly the ecological and evolutionary significance of individual variation in behaviour, physiology, and life-history traits. Key themes include personality evolution, indirect genetic effects, and the integration of genomic approaches with ecological field studies. Dingemanse has contributed to projects like the Great Tit HapMap initiative, exploring genomic variation across continental scales. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary methods, combining field experiments with genomic and statistical tools. His work addresses topics such as mate choice evolution, the role of environmental fluctuations in shaping social plasticity, and the genetic basis of vocal rhythms in birds. Grants and fellowships include the Veni Innovational Research Incentives Scheme (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) and ALW open competition grants. He has advised numerous postdoctoral researchers and leads collaborative projects across Europe.

Ben SheldonView profile

Professor

• Evolution
• Ecology
• Animal Behavior
• +3 more

Professor Ben Sheldon FRS holds the Luc Hoffmann Chair of Ornithology and directs the Edward Grey Institute within the University of Oxford's Department of Biology. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly individual variation, environmental adaptation, and long-term ecological studies like the Wytham Woods great tit project. Current themes include spatial scaling of ecological interactions, life-history evolution, and social dynamics in bird populations. He has secured major grants from ERC, UKRI, NERC, and BBSRC, and hosted postdocs via Marie Curie Fellowships. Research interests integrate field studies, genetics, and quantitative analysis to explore how environmental and social factors shape animal behavior and adaptation. Recent work examines phenological mismatches, climate impacts, and social network effects on reproduction and survival. Awards include Fellowship of the Royal Society. Advising includes 7-8 graduate students and postdocs, with a focus on PhD and postdoc project supervision. Administrative roles include past Head of the Department of Zoology (2016–2021) and Senior User Representative for the Life and Mind Building (2019–2022). The Edward Grey Institute serves as a key research hub for avian ecology and ornithology.

Richard AxelView profile

Professor

• Olfaction
• Neural representations
• Molecular neuroscience
• +3 more

Richard Axel is a University Professor at Columbia University, holding appointments in the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons as Professor of Neuroscience, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, and Professor of Pathology and Cellular Biology. He serves as Codirector of Columbia's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and is an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 1984. Dr. Axel earned his AB from Columbia College and MD from Johns Hopkins Medical School. His Nobel Prize-winning research identified over 1,000 odorant receptors in the nose that transmit olfactory information to the brain, revolutionizing our understanding of the sense of smell. His early work with colleagues developed groundbreaking gene transfer techniques that enabled the introduction of virtually any gene into any cell, leading to novel approaches for gene isolation and analysis of gene function. Dr. Axel's research focuses on understanding how olfactory information is processed in the brain to create internal representations of the external world. His work spans molecular neuroscience, neural circuitry, and the relationship between sensory input and behavioral output. He has pioneered techniques that have advanced our understanding of neural function and sensory processing mechanisms. Analysis of Dr. Axel's recent publications reveals a continued focus on olfactory processing systems, with increasing integration of computational approaches and machine learning to understand neural representations. His work spans from molecular mechanisms to circuit-level analyses, with particular emphasis on how odor information is encoded and transformed in the brain to produce meaningful perceptions and behaviors across multiple model systems. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2004) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (1984-Present) The Royal Society Foreign Member (2014) Gairdner Foundation International Award (2003) American Philosophical Society Member (2003) National Academy of Sciences Member (1983) Richard Lounsbery Award (1989) American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2018) American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow As Codirector of the Zuckerman Institute, Dr. Axel oversees one of the world's leading neuroscience research centers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple departments. His lab continues to train the next generation of neuroscientists, investigating how sensory information is transformed into meaningful perceptions and behaviors. Dr. Axel's early work on gene transfer techniques laid the foundation for numerous advances in molecular biology and neuroscience, including the isolation and analysis of the CD4 gene, the cellular receptor for HIV. Dr. Axel leads the Axel Lab at Columbia University, which is part of the Zuckerman Institute. His research team investigates how organisms recognize olfactory information in the environment and transmit it to the brain, where it is processed to create internal representations of the external world. The lab employs multidisciplinary approaches combining molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience to unravel the neural circuits underlying sensory processing and behavior, with particular focus on understanding how these representations translate stimulus features into appropriate innate and learned behaviors.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Plant Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Professor Vincent Savolainen is a Professor of Organismic Biology at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park Campus), part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He serves as Director of the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, focusing on interdisciplinary environmental challenges. Previously, he was Deputy Head of the Department of Life Sciences (2013–2016) and Deputy Head of Molecular Systematics at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2007–2016). His research integrates field ecology, molecular phylogenetics, and population genomics to address biodiversity preservation, evolutionary biology, and societal challenges like pandemic monitoring. Key areas include ecological speciation in palms, same-sex behavior in animals, and zoonotic disease surveillance in bats. He has pioneered environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques for biodiversity assessment and led studies on the genetic basis of traits like sexual orientation in primates. Professor Savolainen holds prestigious awards, including the Linnean Society’s Bicentenary Medal (2006), European Research Council Advanced Grant (2008), and Coincy Medal for Botany (2014). He sits on UK Natural Environment Research Council panels and Royal Society committees. His group includes researchers like Dr Marco Balducci and Dr Louis Bell-Roberts, and collaborates with institutions like the Zoological Society of London and Royal Society of Biology. Current projects explore plant-insect coevolution, conservation genetics of deer species, and the evolution of endothermy in fish.

Mary Ann LilaView profile

Professor

• Functional Foods
• Plant Chemistry
• Nutrition Science
• +7 more

Mary Ann Lila holds the David H. Murdock Distinguished Professorship at North Carolina State University’s Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences. She leads the Plants for Human Health Institute and is affiliated with the Global Institute for Bioexploration (GIBEX). Her research focuses on phytochemicals in functional foods, immune modulation, and plant-based solutions for health challenges like allergies and cognitive decline. Lila has pioneered protein-polyphenol particle technology to enhance bioactive delivery and mitigate food allergies. Education: Ph.D. Plant Biology (University of Wisconsin, 1984); M.S. Plant Pathology (University of Illinois, 1980); B.S. Horticultural Sciences (University of Illinois, 1978) Key Roles: Director of Plants for Human Health Institute; Affiliate Faculty at University of Alaska Fairbanks Her research interests include bioactive phytochemicals’ roles in inflammation, immunosuppression, and cognitive health. She investigates how plant-derived compounds interact with the gut microbiome to enhance health outcomes. Notable studies address blueberry bioavailability, anti-cancer properties of berry juices, and ozone-induced skin damage mitigation. Recent Achievements: - Copernico Bronze Medal (2021) - 2023 Senior Outstanding Global Engagement Award - David H. Murdock Distinguished Professorship (2010–present) Lila’s work spans collaborations across disciplines, including food engineering, genomics, and cosmeceutical development. Her lab develops sustainable food technologies to address global health and environmental challenges, emphasizing functional ingredients from underutilized crops and byproducts.

Marta MoitaView profile

Research Professor

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Fear Conditioning
• Animal Behavior
• +5 more

Marta Moita is a Research Professor and Principal Investigator at the Champalimaud Foundation's Champalimaud Research center in Lisbon, Portugal, where she leads the Moita Lab in the Behavioral Neuroscience research group. Her laboratory investigates the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying threat responses in animals, with particular focus on how contextual cues influence defensive decision-making between freezing and fleeing behaviors. Dr. Moita's research spans multiple levels of analysis, from collective behavior in social contexts to detailed neural mechanisms. Her lab employs diverse model organisms, particularly fruit flies ( Drosophila melanogaster ) and rats, to study how animals integrate social, spatial, and internal state information to guide threat responses. Key research areas include fear conditioning, emotional contagion, social safety cues, and the neural circuits underlying defensive behaviors. Her work often bridges behavioral neuroscience with evolutionary biology perspectives, examining how defensive strategies have been shaped by natural selection. The Moita Lab's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on innovative approaches to understanding threat processing across species. Recent work has revealed how looming visual stimuli drive defensive responses in rats, how social cues can override threat levels, and the physiological consequences of threat exposure. The lab frequently publishes in high-impact journals including Current Biology , Nature Communications , and Science Reports , reflecting the significance of their contributions to the field. Dr. Moita actively mentors several PhD and Masters students, including Charlotte Rosher, Violetta La Franca, Mariana Franco, Matilde Henriques, and Mirjam Heinemans. Her laboratory team also includes postdoctoral researchers like Alexandre Leitão, Anna Hobbiss, and Ricardo Neto Silva, along with research technicians and lab administrators who support the diverse research projects.

Deborah GoberdhanView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Cell Growth Regulation
• mTORC1 Signaling
• +5 more

Dr. Deborah Goberdhan is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford , affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) . She leads an independent research group investigating amino acid sensing , mTORC1 signaling , and exosome-mediated communication in cancer progression using both human cancer cells and Drosophila models . She serves on the Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre Research Committee , teaches Medical and Biomedical Sciences undergraduates , and acts as Academic Public Engagement Lead for her department. Her research focuses on cell growth regulation through Proton-assisted Amino acid Transporters (PATs) , which function as 'transceptors' modulating mTORC1 activity . This work has expanded to examine exosome heterogeneity and therapeutic delivery mechanisms with support from BBSRC and Cancer Research UK . She co-founded Oxosome , the Oxford extracellular vesicle interest group , to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Key research areas include Cancer cell communication via exosomes Amino acid signaling in tumor progression Drosophila as cancer model system Clinical collaborations with Prof Adrian L Harris , Prof Freddie C Hamdy , and Prof Clare Verrill Recent publications highlight her group's contributions to exosome biogenesis (2023), brain-targeted siRNA delivery (2021), and nutrient stress responses in cancer (2020). She actively promotes scientific communication through ISEV social media initiatives.