Find Academic Supervisors

J. Edward ColgateView profile

Professor

• Human-Robot Interaction
• Haptic Display
• Teleoperation
• +4 more

J. Edward Colgate is the Walter P. Murphy Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Human Augmentation via Dexterity (HAND) Engineering Research Center at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He also holds the title of Breed Senior Professor of Design. His academic career includes leadership roles as founding co-Director of the Segal Design Institute and director of the Master of Science in Engineering Design and Innovation program. Colgate earned his Ph.D. (1988), S.M. (1986), and S.B. in Physics (1983) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Colgate's research focuses on physical human-robot interaction with specialization in surface haptic interactive design and electroadhesion technology development. His work spans three interconnected domains: haptic interfaces (including wearable haptic arrays and Touchbot systems), robot dexterity through Shape-Based Remote Manipulation (SBRM) for overcoming communication delays, and high-speed electroadhesive actuators. The Northwestern Haptics Lab under his direction aims to create realistic virtual environments by merging these research vectors. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on tactile perception mechanisms, electroadhesion applications, and haptic rendering algorithms. Recent work explores texture playback fidelity, wearable electroadhesive arrays, robotic manipulation, and human-swarm control systems, reflecting interdisciplinary integration of mechanical engineering, materials science, and neuroscience principles. Awards: Elected to National Academy of Engineering (2021) for contributions to haptics, human-robot systems, and design education Inducted into National Academy of Inventors (2015) Educational initiatives include developing Northwestern's Design Thinking and Communication curriculum, establishing the Certificate in Engineering Design, and creating the Master of Science in Engineering Design and Innovation. He teaches ME 390: Introduction to System Dynamics using a flipped classroom model. Colgate directs the Northwestern Haptics Lab within the Center for Robotics and Biosystems, focusing on fundamental haptics research with applications in virtual reality, prosthetics, and human-assistive devices. The lab maintains active industry partnerships for technology transfer of haptic innovations.

• Economic Sociology
• Money and Economy
• Family and Parenting
• +3 more

Nina Bandelj serves as a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine, where she is an active affiliate of the Center for Organizational Research (COR). Her research bridges economic sociology and family studies, examining how money, debt, and market logics permeate intimate social relations. She frequently participates in COR initiatives like the Academic Speed-Dating events held in Social Sciences Plaza B, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars. Bandelj's research centers on three interconnected domains: (1) the economization of family life , analyzing how parenting transforms into human capital investment through debt-financed childcare and education; (2) cross-national inequality , investigating ethnic marginalization in Eastern Europe and gender pay gaps within workplaces; and (3) money's social meaning , exploring emotional economies of modern parenting and the valuation of 'priceless' social domains. Her work consistently challenges the 'hostile worlds' thesis by demonstrating how economic and intimate spheres co-constitute each other. Recent publications reveal intensifying focus on debt-driven middle-class parenting (e.g., mortgage debt tied to childrearing) and commodified childhood (e.g., pricing early education), while maintaining strong comparative analysis of postsocialist economies. This trajectory reflects broader shifts in economic sociology toward studying financialization's penetration into familial spheres. Bandelj actively cultivates scholarly communities through COR events and writing initiatives like 'U See I Write,' emphasizing collaborative knowledge production. Her work demonstrates how micro-level family economies scaffold macro-level policy failures, particularly regarding America's family-hostile welfare state.

• Crop Physiology
• Agricultural Technology
• Plant Stress Tolerance
• +4 more

Dr William Salter is a Lecturer in Crop Physiology at the University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences, based at the Narrabri Plant Breeding Institute. His research focuses on enhancing crop productivity and resilience through innovations in plant physiology, phenotyping technologies, and open-source agricultural tools. He leads a research group developing low-cost sensors and data pipelines for measuring plant traits like light use efficiency, canopy architecture, and weed detection. Education: BSc (Edinburgh) and PhD (Sydney) Research interests include optimizing photosynthesis for food security, improving water/nutrient efficiency in crops, and adapting farming systems to climate change. His work prioritizes accessible, open-source solutions to democratize scientific tools. Recent grants include studies on wheat heat tolerance and drought resilience. He advises students like Edward David on crop stress physiology projects. Collaborations involve the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and international partners. Labs/Teams: Narrabri Plant Breeding Institute research group, International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture team.

Kasper ThorupView profile

Professor

• Movement Ecology
• Bird Migration
• Behavioral Ecology
• +7 more

Kasper Thorup is a Professor in Movement Ecology at the Globe Institute , University of Copenhagen , and serves as Section Head of the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate . He is also an Affiliated Scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Radolfzell, Germany, and holds advisory roles at the Copenhagen Bird Ringing Centre and the Natural History Museum of Denmark . Education PhD in Zoology , University of Copenhagen (2004) MSc in Biology , University of Copenhagen (2000) Research Interests Thorup’s research lies at the intersection of movement ecology , behavioral ecology , ornithology , and conservation . His work focuses on the mechanisms and drivers of bird migration , using advanced tracking technologies such as satellite telemetry, geolocators, and radio transmitters. His lab investigates orientation systems , climate change impacts , and conservation strategies for migratory birds across continents. His team also explores animal navigation , disease spread via migratory birds , and habitat use across breeding and wintering grounds. Fieldwork has taken him to remote locations including Kamchatka, Angola, Svalbard, and the Ural Mountains. Scientific Awards Corresponding Member , Deutsche Ornithologen-Gesellschaft Sapere Aude – Research Leader , Danish Fund for Independent Research Fellow , International Ornithologist's Union Post-doc Scholarship , Danish Fund for Independent Research DTUsat Payload Competition , DTU Supervision and Teaching Thorup has supervised 6 postdocs , 9 PhD students , and 19 Master’s students since 2005. He teaches Danish vertebrates (BSc) and Ornithology (MSc) at the University of Copenhagen, and welcomes theoretical and field-based student projects in bird migration, orientation, and conservation. Labs and Teams He leads the Bird Migration Lab and is head of the Thorup Group within the Section for Biodiversity at the Globe Institute. His team is closely affiliated with the Copenhagen Bird Ringing Centre and collaborates globally with institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Lund University.

Philip HulmeView profile

Professor

• Biosecurity science
• Invasive species ecology
• Ecological impacts of climate change
• +6 more

Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme is a leading biosecurity scientist at Lincoln University's Department of Pest-Management and Conservation. With over 33,000 Web of Science citations and an H-index of 87, he ranks among Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers for eleven consecutive years. His work spans international biosecurity policy, including coordination of the UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services' Invasive Alien Species Assessment. His research focuses on developing solutions for biosecurity threats through fundamental ecological understanding of invasive species, human dimensions of invasions, and socio-ecological drivers of antimicrobial resistance. Key interests include: Trade and transport networks in biosecurity threats Population dynamics of invasive species Evolution of herbicide resistance Economic/social drivers of ornamental plant invasions His publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on One Biosecurity frameworks, invasion prediction modeling, and integrated human-environment systems. Recent work increasingly connects biosecurity with One Health principles and sustainable development goals. Major scientific recognition includes: Hutton Medal (2019) Leonard Cockayne Lecture Award (2018) Te Tohu Taiao Ecological Excellence Award (2022) Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellowship (2022) Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (11 years) Professor Hulme actively supervises six PhD students while advising national and regional bodies including the NZ Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee, Environment Canterbury Biosecurity Advisory Group, Canterbury-Aoraki Conservation Board, and Zespri Biosecurity Advisory Group. His leadership extends to the Royal Society New Zealand Biological Panel and IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group.

Ronald C. YdenbergView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Ecology
• Avian Behavior
• Population Dynamics
• +3 more

Ronald C. Ydenberg is a Professor and Director of the Centre for Wild Species and Ecosystems (CWE) in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University. His research focuses on behavioral ecology, particularly in avian and migratory species, with notable projects on seabirds, sandpipers, and muskrat population dynamics. He holds a BSc from SFU and a DPhil from Oxford University. Research interests include predator-prey interactions, migration strategies, nutrient subsidies from salmon, and invasive species management. His work integrates field studies with theoretical models, often collaborating with students and international colleagues. Recent studies address shifts in migratory bird stopover sites due to predation risks and the ecological impacts of salmon-derived nutrients on plant communities. Publications highlight contributions to understanding peregrine falcon recovery effects on sandpipers, muskrat control efficacy, and genetic fragmentation in red deer populations. His interdisciplinary approach spans conservation biology, population dynamics, and behavioral adaptations. Current teaching includes BISC 102 D100 General Biology in Fall 2025.

• Seed Germination
• Messenger RNA
• Seed Dormancy
• +4 more

Nikita Sajeev is a researcher at Wageningen University specializing in plant molecular biology with a focus on seed germination and dormancy mechanisms. Dr. Sajeev completed their PhD in January 2023 with a dissertation titled "Stop, slow-down or speed-up? The role of mRNA binding proteins during seed germination" under the supervision of Professor Bentsink. Their research primarily investigates the molecular mechanisms controlling seed germination, with particular emphasis on mRNA regulation and protein interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana . Dr. Sajeev's work spans several key research areas including seed dormancy (100% focus), mRNA regulation (85% focus), Arabidopsis biology (50% focus), proteome dynamics (48% focus), translational regulation (48% focus), and abiotic stress responses (42% focus). Their research combines molecular biology, proteomics, and plant physiology to understand how seeds regulate their germination process at critical developmental transitions. Analysis of their publication record reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on mRNA-protein interactions during seed germination, with increasing attention to broader applications in plant breeding technologies. Their 2024 publication in The Plant Cell shows significant citation impact with 68 citation indexes and 83 reader captures, indicating strong scholarly influence in the field. Dr. Sajeev has actively engaged with science communication, providing expert commentary on plant breeding techniques and CRISPR-Cas technology through multiple media contributions in 2023-2024, demonstrating commitment to bridging science and society.

Dongyi WangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Machine Vision
• +3 more

Dongyi Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Arkansas, where he directs the Smart Agriculture and Food Engineering (SAFE) Lab. His work bridges advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine vision with agrifood manufacturing to enhance product quality, safety, and worker welfare. Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland, College Park B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Fudan University Visiting experience at The Chinese University of Hong Kong Research interests span smart agrifood manufacturing , robotics , machine vision , and artificial intelligence , with applications in crop monitoring, food safety, and healthcare. His lab develops solutions like automated defect detection, pathogen sensing, and sustainable processing systems. Article analysis reveals a focus on AI-driven agricultural automation , hyperspectral imaging , robotic manipulation of bio-products , and food safety innovations . Recent works include YOLO-based tomato defect segmentation, E. coli biosensing, and UAV-based blackberry monitoring. Awards & Memberships College of Engineering Dean’s Award of Excellence Rising Star Research Award (UARK) Outstanding Mentor Award (UARK) Professional memberships in ASABE and IEEE As an educator, he teaches instrumentation and artificial intelligence in agrifood manufacturing . The SAFE Lab, funded by USDA NIFA, NSF, and federal/local agencies (> $7M), prioritizes workforce development in AI/robotics for agrifood industries.

• Genetics
• Animal Breeding
• Biostatistics
• +6 more

Gabor Meszaros is an Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) , affiliated with the Institute of Livestock Sciences . His career spans roles as a researcher, project leader, and educator, focusing on genetics, animal breeding, and genomics. 2018 - Present: Associate Professor, BOKU 2014-2018: Assistant Professor, BOKU 2008-2013: Researcher, BOKU 2005-2008: PhD Student, Nitra, Slovakia Meszáros's research interests include genetic diversity analysis , population genetics , genomic selection , and bioinformatics tools for livestock breeding . His work addresses challenges in climate adaptation , inbreeding depression , and sustainable utilization of local breeds . His recent publications highlight advancements in genomic diversity studies across species like sheep, goats, pigs, and argali, with a focus on effective population size estimation , GWAS applications , and balancing selection markers . Collaborative projects span Austria, Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. Meszáros actively contributes to academia by supervising 20+ theses at BOKU and serves as a reviewer for journals like Genomics and Small Ruminant Research . He participates in international symposia, including the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production and Animal Science Days , and contributes to the Gregor Mendel Society as a managing board member.

Gary ColemanView profile

Associate Professor

• Nitrogen Cycling
• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Gary Coleman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park. He has held this position since 1995, following a postdoctoral research associate tenure at Oregon State University (1990–1995). His work integrates molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and physiology to study nitrogen cycling and homeostasis in trees, emphasizing perennial systems' competitive advantages in nitrogen-limited environments. Research focuses on poplar trees as a model organism to investigate seasonal nitrogen remobilization and storage protein mechanisms. Education: Ph.D. in Horticulture-Forestry from the University of Nebraska; M.S. and B.S. in Forest Genetics and Forest Biology from Colorado State University. Professional experience includes postdoctoral training at Oregon State University and a 1995–present appointment at the University of Maryland. Research Interests: Gary’s research explores nitrogen storage and cycling in woody plants, particularly seasonal mobilization of nitrogen in temperate deciduous trees and tropical species. Key topics include auxin transport’s role in nitrogen flux, metabolic interactions between carbon and nitrogen in poplar, and the application of CRISPR-Cas12a variants for genome editing. His studies aim to enhance nitrogen-use efficiency and support sustainable agricultural practices in changing climates. Awards and Recognition: Junior Faculty Excellence Award, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Marsho Award for best graduate student paper (1999) Membership in National Academy of Sciences Committees (1998–1999; 2002–2004) Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar mentor recognition (2015) Testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee (2012) Grants and Advising: Gary’s research has been supported by National Academy of Sciences committee appointments and institutional funding. He has mentored students in high-impact research, though no formal advisees are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His work aligns with grants focused on genomic tools for sustainable crop development and climate resilience. Labs and Teams: Gary leads a research laboratory at the University of Maryland, specializing in nitrogen cycling dynamics in poplar. Collaborations include interdisciplinary efforts within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to address environmental and agricultural challenges through plant science innovation.

Fernando BenavidesView profile

Professor

• Mouse Genetics
• Genetic Engineering
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Fernando Benavides, DVM, PhD, DACLAM is a Professor in the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Smithville, TX). He also serves as an Associate Faculty Member in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Houston, TX) and holds dual appointments in related departments. As Director of the Laboratory Animal Genetics Services, he specializes in genetic monitoring of inbred rodent strains, authentication of mouse cell lines, and speed congenic projects to transfer genes to defined genetic backgrounds. His expertise spans positional cloning of spontaneous mutations, complex breeding schemes, and international rodent genetic consultation. Research Focus : Dr. Benavides' work centers on mouse genetics and laboratory animal science, with applications to cancer research. Key areas include genetic quality control of rodent models, development of standardized populations, and mechanistic studies using genetically engineered mice. He has described novel mouse models and contributed to guidelines for genetic reporting (LAG-R) and strain nomenclature. Professional Contributions : His leadership in rodent genetics standards has impacted global research practices. Projects include genetic background characterization via next-generation sequencing and resolving issues like viral contamination in rodent colonies. He collaborates internationally to ensure genetic integrity of experimental models.

Volker HahnView profile

Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Agricultural Science
• Phenotyping with Drones
• +4 more

Dr. Volker Hahn is a leading agricultural scientist specializing in plant breeding at the University of Hohenheim's State Seed Breeding Institute in Stuttgart, Germany. Holding a PhD in molecular genetics from Justus Liebig University Giessen (1993) for work on cytoplasmic pollen sterility in sunflowers , he established the institute's sunflower breeding program and now leads soybean breeding with complementary work on chia, buckwheat, and chickpeas. His research focuses on drone-based phenotyping , NIR quality characterization , and phenomic selection as innovative breeding methodologies. Key Research Areas: Soybean and legume crop improvement Drone-assisted phenotyping systems Phenomic selection techniques Plant-based protein development Climate change adaptation in breeding Major Projects: Legume Generation (EU-funded) SENSOJA (Sensor-assisted soybean breeding) InnoSun (Oil yield enhancement in sunflowers) His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate expertise in genomic and phenomic selection , QTL mapping , and climate-adapted breeding for soybean and sunflower. The work shows increasing focus on transcontinental genetic comparisons and non-destructive field phenotyping through LED-controlled speed breeding and multi-sensor platforms . Current efforts emphasize biogas feedstock optimization , disease resistance , and nutrient efficiency in crops. Technical Expertise: Utilizes advanced genotyping arrays (25K SNP), DArT markers , and phenomic prediction algorithms in breeding programs. Maintains laboratory facilities at the State Seed Breeding Institute (Fruwirthstr. 21, Stuttgart) with a team specializing in genetic mapping , molecular screening , and agroecosystem optimization .

Nonoy BandilloView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Genetics
• Agricultural Science
• +7 more

Dr. Nonoy Bandillo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University (NC State), leading the Bandillo Lab . His primary focus is on small grains breeding and genetics, with a mission to develop climate-resilient cultivars optimized for North Carolina's agricultural environments. He holds a BSc (magna cum laude) in Agronomy from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (2008), a PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2016), and a postdoctoral fellowship in Quantitative Genetics at Cornell University (2018). His research integrates cutting-edge methodologies such as genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, and machine learning to accelerate genetic innovation. Key interests include improving crop traits like yield, nutrition, and resistance to environmental stresses. He teaches CS 745: Quantitative Genetics in Plant Breeding and serves as an Associate Editor for The Plant Genome (2023–present). Dr. Bandillo's lab emphasizes collaboration, with projects focusing on sensor technology for crop monitoring (e.g., LiDAR, multispectral imaging) and genetic dissection of traits such as protein content and disease resistance. Recent work includes developing strategies to enhance genetic gain in wheat and improving salt tolerance in peas. Lab activities also include advancing genomic prediction models for multi-trait improvement and leveraging big data for climate-resilient cultivar development. The lab collaborates broadly, aiming to bridge applied breeding with fundamental genetic research.

Joshua A. McGintyView profile

Associate Professor

• Agricultural Extension Programming
• Field Crop Management
• Weed Management
• +5 more

Joshua A. McGinty is an Associate Professor & Agronomist at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Research. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Texas A&M University (2014). His research focuses on field crops and forages, emphasizing weed management, crop variety testing, nutrient management, and precision agriculture technologies across Texas Gulf Coast and Lower Rio Grande Valley regions. He coordinates interdisciplinary programs involving scientists, county agents, and regional leaders to develop educational resources and applied research for dryland/limited irrigation systems. Key areas include herbicide resistance management, soil health through cover crops, and integrated pest management strategies. His work addresses critical challenges like micronutrient deficiencies, volunteer wheat control, and sustainable cropping systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in herbicide application techniques, biostimulant efficacy, and crop variety trials. McGinty’s contributions bridge research and extension, directly impacting Texas farmers through practical solutions for weed control, yield optimization, and environmental stewardship.

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Richard Immink is a Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Laboratory of Cell Biology. His research focuses on plant development, epigenetics, and stress responses, particularly in species like Arabidopsis thaliana, tulip, and onion. He leads projects on temperature adaptation, flowering regulation, and seed dormancy, collaborating with institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. Academic affiliation: Laboratory of Cell Biology, Wageningen University & Research Research areas: Plant epigenetics, flowering time control, bud dormancy, seed development, stress-resilient crops Key projects: Temperature effects on cauliflower quality, speed breeding optimization, onion dormancy gene identification His recent publications explore ambient temperature-driven DNA methylation changes, PEBP gene functions in seed dormancy, and ABA/fructan dynamics in onion storage. Research trends emphasize gene regulatory networks, environmental adaptation, and translational applications from model species to crops. Immink supervises PhD candidates including van Waijjen (stress resilience in flowering) and Syma (cauliflower temperature adaptation). He contributes to datasets on Arabidopsis transcriptomics and collaborates on epigenetic regulators of flowering time.