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Anjel HelmsView profile

Associate Professor

• Chemical Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• Multitrophic Interactions
• +3 more

Anjel Helms is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University and a core faculty member of the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. program. Her research focuses on chemical ecology and plant-insect interactions, emphasizing multitrophic interactions and belowground chemical ecology. Her work aims to develop sustainable agriculture solutions by studying chemically mediated interactions among plants, invertebrates, and microorganisms. Education: B.A. Biochemistry, Pepperdine University B.S. Biology, Pepperdine University Ph.D. Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University Research Interests: Dr. Helms investigates how organisms use chemicals for communication, resource location, and defense. Her lab combines analytical chemistry and behavioral studies to explore plant defense mechanisms, herbivore interactions, and ecological communication networks. Articles Trends: Recent publications highlight her work on plant defense strategies against herbivores, the role of volatiles in pest management, and multitrophic interactions. Key themes include eco-evolutionary factors shaping plant defenses and the application of chemical ecology to sustainable agriculture. Teaching & Advising: She teaches courses in insect ecology and chemical ecology and advises the Aggie Women in Entomology organization. No scientific awards are listed. Labs & Teams: Research in the Helms lab focuses on analytical chemistry and behavioral studies to understand chemical communication in ecological systems.

Trenton FranzView profile

Associate Professor

• Hydrogeophysics
• Soil Moisture Dynamics
• Ecohydrology
• +3 more

Trenton Franz serves as an Associate Professor of Hydrogeophysics at the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research focuses on applying geophysical methods to study soil moisture dynamics and ecohydrological processes, particularly in dryland ecosystems. He leads the WAVES (Water, Vegetation, & Society) research group investigating the connections between subsurface hydrology and vegetation patterns. Dr. Franz's research interests center on hydrogeophysics and ecohydrology , with particular emphasis on developing and applying geophysical techniques to monitor soil moisture dynamics at various scales. His work bridges the gap between traditional hydrology and geophysics, creating innovative approaches to understand water movement in the vadose zone and its ecological implications. Current projects investigate how subsurface structures like termite nests influence water distribution in drylands and how these patterns affect vegetation communities. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to high-impact hydrology journals including Water Resources Research , Vadose Zone Journal , and Ecohydrology . The research shows progression from laboratory-scale experiments on homogeneous sand to field applications in complex natural systems, with increasing focus on the ecological implications of subsurface hydrological patterns. Dr. Franz collaborates extensively with researchers across institutions, including notable partnerships with Rutgers University and previous work with Kelly Caylor's lab at UCSB. His research integrates field measurements, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling to address fundamental questions in hydrological science.

Juan Jose Gonzalez de la RosaView profile

Professor

• Higher Order Statistics
• Power Quality
• Computational Intelligence
• +6 more

Dr. Juan Jose Gonzalez de la Rosa is a Full Professor in Electronics at the University of Cadiz, Spain, where he founded and leads the Research Group in Computational Instrumentation and Industrial Electronics (PAIDI-TIC-168). His academic career includes a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cadiz (1999) and an M.Sc. in Physics-Electronics from the University of Granada (1992). His research focuses on Higher Order Statistics (HOS), Power Quality assessment, and computational intelligence applications in measurement systems. He has made significant contributions to termite detection through vibratory signal analysis, power quality event classification, and acoustic emission signal processing for industrial applications. His work bridges theoretical signal processing techniques with practical engineering solutions. His publication record shows consistent output in high-impact journals, with research trends emphasizing the application of Independent Component Analysis (ICA), wavelet transforms, and higher-order statistics to solve challenging signal processing problems in diverse domains from power systems to biological signal analysis. His work demonstrates particular strength in developing methods that function effectively under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions. Four recognitions in Communication Engineering by Spanish Government Recognition in Computation by Spanish Government Recognition in Electronics by Spanish Government Knowledge Transfer Recognition by Spanish Government As founder of the Computational Instrumentation and Industrial Electronics research group, he has established a productive research environment focused on applying advanced signal processing techniques to industrial measurement challenges. His work on power quality assessment systems and termite detection technologies demonstrates practical applications of his theoretical contributions.

• Genomics
• Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +5 more

Joost van den Heuvel is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Laboratory of Genetics within the PE&RC (Plant Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Resource Management) School. His research focuses on genomics, evolutionary biology, and genetics, with a particular emphasis on marker-assisted selection, genetic architecture, and symbiotic relationships. He has contributed to projects exploring gene drive technology, insect development, and fungal genetics, including work on Aspergillus fumigatus and termite symbionts. His recent studies highlight advancements in genome assembly, molecular sexing techniques, and the evolution of life-history traits in insects. Key research interests include understanding genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation, population genetics, and the application of genomic tools to solve ecological and agricultural challenges. His work integrates experimental and computational approaches to address evolutionary questions, such as the role of large-effect alleles and epistatic interactions in shaping organismal traits. Van den Heuvel has advised multiple PhD candidates, contributing to projects on genetic mapping, symbiotic systems, and microbial evolution. His collaborative efforts span international partnerships, reflecting his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research in genetics and genomics. In terms of publications, his recent work emphasizes topics like gene drive optimization, symbiont genome analysis, and the genetic basis of developmental timing in insects. These studies underscore his expertise in leveraging genomic data to uncover evolutionary and ecological insights.

Kamal M. IbrahimView profile

Associate Professor

• Conservation Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Molecular Ecology
• +7 more

Kamal M. Ibrahim is an Associate Professor of Zoology at Southern Illinois University's College of Science in Carbondale, Illinois. His research focuses on the spatial and temporal dynamics of genes in natural populations, with particular emphasis on the fauna of the Horn of Africa and various insect species. Dr. Ibrahim's research interests include: Conservation genetics and molecular systematics of Horn of Africa fauna (ungulates, mosquitoes, and termites) Population dynamics and genetics of African armyworm, desert locust, and Southern Pine Beetle Phylogeography and post-glacial colonization history of insect species Genetics of phylopatry in European wild rabbit Speciation in cichlids of Lake Malawi Stock discrimination in Northern Atlantic fisheries Assessment of genetic diversity in European domestic ungulates His publication record spans diverse areas of population genetics and molecular ecology, with significant contributions to understanding genetic variation in wildlife populations, insect pests, and conservation applications. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between evolutionary biology, conservation science, and practical applications in pest management and wildlife conservation. Dr. Ibrahim teaches multiple courses including Molecular Ecology, Genetics, Evolution, Population Genetics, and Evolutionary Biology and Religion.

Tae Young LeeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Urban Entomology
• Insect Behavior
• Medical Entomology
• +3 more

Tae Young Lee is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. His role focuses on teaching urban entomology courses, emphasizing pest biology, identification, and management strategies. He advises students pursuing careers in urban entomology and supports certification preparation. His research background includes subterranean termite behavior and mosquito repellent studies, particularly involving AeTRPA1 channel electrophysiology. Prior roles involved teaching medical and veterinary entomology, insect taxonomy, and general entomology. His work bridges academic instruction with practical pest management applications, aiming to foster student appreciation for urban entomology's challenges and solutions. Research interests span urban pest ecology, chemical communication in termites, and innovative approaches to pest control. No explicit grants or awards are mentioned, though his contributions to pedagogy and applied research are central to his profile. His contact information includes Gainesville, FL, and university email.

Johnalyn GordonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Entomology
• Urban Entomology
• Termite Research
• +1 more

Dr. Johnalyn Gordon serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC), operating under the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) in Davie, Florida. Her dual research-extension role focuses on urban entomology within Florida's unique ecological context, specifically addressing termite management challenges in residential and urban environments. Her research expertise centers on Entomology with specialized focus in Urban Entomology and Termite Research , targeting sustainable pest control solutions for South Florida's infrastructure. This work directly supports FLREC's mission through applied studies on invasive species behavior, chemical and non-chemical intervention strategies, and community education initiatives for pest prevention. Dr. Gordon actively contributes to multiple FLREC program areas including Termites in Florida, Aquatic Plant Management, Palm Production, Trial Garden operations, and Sea Level Resilience research. Her extension responsibilities involve translating scientific findings into actionable guidance for homeowners, pest control professionals, and municipal agencies across South Florida's vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

• Urban Entomology
• Integrated Pest Management
• Urban Wildlife Management
• +3 more

William H Jr Kern is an associate professor of urban entomology in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), based at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) in Davie, Florida. His work focuses on urban pest management, integrated pest management (IPM), and the intersection of human environments with insects and wildlife. He has produced numerous extension publications aimed at both public education and practical pest control solutions. Research Interests: Urban entomology and pest management Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies Honey bee biology and apiculture Invasive species control (e.g., iguanas, Africanized honey bees) Parasitology and vector biology (e.g., pigeon flies, deer keds) Wildlife-human conflict resolution His publications span a wide range of topics, including the management of pigeons, iguanas, and stored product pests, as well as the preservation of beekeeping equipment and the control of termites. His work on Africanized honey bees includes strategies to prevent their colonization of wildlife nest boxes, while his research on pigeon flies and deer keds contributes to the understanding of ectoparasite ecology and disease transmission. Scientific Contributions: Author of over 20 peer-reviewed extension publications Expert in urban pest control strategies Contributor to IPM programs in Florida Developer of practical guides for beekeepers and homeowners His work is disseminated through the UF/IFAS Extension system, ensuring that research findings are translated into actionable guidance for the public, pest control professionals, and agricultural stakeholders.

Leonardo TurchenView profile

Research Fellow

• Entomology
• Insect Communication
• Vibrational Signals
• +3 more

Leonardo Turchen is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, supervised by Professor Jayne Yack. His research focuses on understanding how insects, particularly caterpillars, generate and use vibroacoustic signals for communication and social coordination. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso, Brazil), and a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Entomology (Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil). His current work examines vibrational mechanisms enabling group formation and dispersal in caterpillars, contributing to broader insights into insect social behavior. Key research interests include vibrational communication in insects, pest behavior, and ecological interactions. Turchen’s studies bridge entomology with behavioral ecology, addressing questions about signal transmission, social dynamics, and ecological adaptation. His work has explored topics such as bioacoustic defense mechanisms in moth larvae, chemical ecology of termite recruitment, and pest management strategies using natural compounds. Publications highlight his contributions to understanding vibrational signaling in species like the fall armyworm and bark beetles, alongside analyses of pesticide resistance and non-target effects. While no awards are explicitly listed, his research has been featured in peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Pest Science , Entomologia Generallis , and Bioacoustics . Turchen’s lab affiliations include the Yack Lab at Carleton University, focusing on neurobiology and behavior. His research integrates field observations with laboratory experiments, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to insect communication studies.

Latif UllahView profile

Researcher

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• +3 more

Latif Ullah is a researcher at Stockholm University's Department of of Chemistry. His work focuses on functional porous materials for sorption and heterogeneous catalysis, particularly for environmental applications. He is involved in research projects addressing eutrophication in the Baltic Sea through the development of low-cost adsorbents. Dr. Ullah received his PhD from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and completed postdoctoral research at Peking University's College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering. His research interests include: CO2 capture and conversion Green chemistry approaches Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Environmental remediation technologies Porous material design Industrial scale adsorbent synthesis His publications demonstrate expertise in: Developing novel adsorbents and catalysts Using ionic liquids and MOFs for environmental applications Converting CO2 into useful chemicals Remediating water pollution through advanced materials Studying material properties for catalytic applications Dr. Ullah's work represents a significant contribution to environmental chemistry and sustainable materials science, with practical applications in both carbon dioxide reduction and Baltic Sea restoration efforts.

• Building Structures
• Building Materials
• Traditional Construction Methods
• +3 more

Professor Naoyuki Koshiishi is a distinguished academic at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Department of Architecture. With over three decades of academic service since joining as an Assistant Professor in 1993, he has established himself as a leading expert in building structures, materials science, and traditional construction techniques. His career trajectory shows steady progression from Research Associate to his current position as full Professor since 1998, reflecting his significant contributions to architectural engineering and construction technology. Professor Koshiishi's research focuses primarily on traditional plastering materials and construction methods, durability of wooden buildings, waterproofing technologies, and building materials science. His work bridges historical building techniques with modern engineering requirements, particularly examining how traditional Japanese construction methods like clay walls on bamboo lathing can be validated and potentially revived for contemporary sustainable building practices. He has conducted extensive research on the structural characteristics of traditional clay walls, waterproofing systems, and innovative applications of earth materials in construction. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent productivity with numerous publications in architectural journals and conference proceedings, particularly focusing on practical building technologies. His research interests span from fundamental material properties to applied construction techniques, with special emphasis on sustainability, durability, and the preservation of traditional building knowledge. His work on humidity control materials, waterproofing systems, and traditional construction methods has contributed significantly to both academic knowledge and practical building applications in Japan. Professor Koshiishi has received recognition for his contributions to the field, most notably the Gypsum Board Award (Special Achievement Award) in 2013 from the Gypsum Board Industry Association for his research activities related to interior and exterior construction work. His work has practical implications for building industry professionals and has influenced construction standards and practices in Japan. As an educator, Professor Koshiishi teaches a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering architectural design, building construction, building materials, and specialized topics in architectural engineering. His teaching portfolio demonstrates his commitment to training the next generation of architects and engineers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

R Andrew HayesView profile

Research Fellow

• Chemical ecology
• Predator-prey interactions
• Insect-plant interactions
• +2 more

Dr R Andrew Hayes serves as a Forest Health Senior Research Fellow at the Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, specializing in chemical ecology applications for agricultural and forestry pest management. Education: PhD, Western Sydney University BSc (Hons), University of Sydney His research explores volatile chemical communication within and between species, transitioning from vertebrate studies (rabbits, lemurs, cane toads) to insect-plant interactions for sustainable crop protection. Current work focuses on exploiting semiochemicals to disrupt pest behaviors in horticulture and forestry systems, particularly targeting invasive species through attractant traps and anti-aggregation strategies. Scientific Awards: 2011 Queensland International Fellowship 2005 University of Sydney Innovation Challenge Finalist 2000 Royal Zoological Society of NSW Award (best student poster presentation) Dr Hayes actively supervises HDR students including Praneet Goundar (Ips grandicollis biological control), Somia Afzal (push-pull semiochemical strategies), and William Haigh (West Indian drywood termite management), building on completed projects with Kate Ballard, Natalia Medieros de Souza, Flavia Sarti-Bonara, and Brogan Amos. His grant portfolio includes Agrifutures-funded small hive beetle trap optimization (2022-2025), Hort Innovation's banana spotting bug control (2022-2027), and Biosecurity Queensland's Panama TR4 early detection project (2021-2023). Professional affiliations include the Asia–Pacific Association for Chemical Ecology, Australian Mammal Society (Director ECR 2007-2015), and International Society for Chemical Ecology.

• Biogenic Dynamics
• Bioacoustics
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• +4 more

A/Prof Sebastian Oberst is an Associate Professor and Acting Director of the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds positions in the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, coordinating the 'Embedded Mechatronic Systems' course. His research focuses on biogenic dynamics, bioacoustics, nonlinear dynamics, and acoustic metamaterials, with applications in vibration control, structural health monitoring, and termite communication mechanisms. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (UNSW, 2011). Professional roles include Chief Investigator on multiple ARC-funded projects, including 'Unlocking the mechanisms of vibro-acoustic communication in termites' (2024-2028) and 'Meta-Lattice Composites for Satellite Survivability' (2022-2025). He has received prestigious awards such as the EASD Junior Research Prize (2017) and the JSPS Fellowship (2016). Research interests span bioacoustics, metamaterials, and nonlinear dynamics. Notable contributions include studies on termite vibrational communication, acoustic radiation force manipulation, and structural dynamics modeling. He has supervised multiple PhD theses on topics ranging from laser Doppler vibrometry to uncertainty analysis in mechanical systems. Service roles include editorial positions in journals like Frontiers in Acoustics and PeerJ - Life and Environment , and chair roles in international conferences such as the Asia-Pacific Vibration Conference (2019). His work bridges fundamental research and industrial applications, advancing sustainable vibration control and acoustic engineering.

Jeff WhitworthView profile

Associate Professor

• Integrated Pest Management
• Row Crops
• Household Pests
• +3 more

Jeff Whitworth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University. His research specializes in integrated pest management (IPM) for row crops and structural pests, with extensive work in developing practical solutions for agricultural and household insect control. He earned his Ph.D. in Entomology from Kansas State University in 1980. Research Focus Dr. Whitworth's work spans: Field crop protection (corn, soybean, wheat, sorghum) Structural pest management (termites, pillbugs) Stored product insect control Development of extension materials for farmers and pest control professionals Publications Overview His recent publications (2004-2011) demonstrate a strong focus on applied entomology, emphasizing pest management protocols, insecticide efficacy, trap design improvements, and regional pest population analyses. Work consistently integrates field research with practical extension resources. Awards and Honors No awards are documented in the available text. Academic Service Active in producing cooperative extension bulletins covering multiple crops. Collaborates extensively with agricultural experiment stations and extension services across Kansas.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Theoretical Ecology
• Evolutionary Genetics
• +3 more

Ido Pen is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences. His research focuses on theoretical evolutionary ecology, particularly the evolution of social behavior, sex allocation, and aging in social insects and other organisms. Key areas include eusociality evolution, parental effects, and temperature-driven sex determination mechanisms. Pen leads the Pen Group, which integrates theoretical models with empirical studies to explore evolutionary processes. Recent work examines inbreeding effects on reproductive senescence in birds, cooperative breeding dynamics, and maternal manipulation in eusociality origins. His research spans diverse topics such as harbor seal rehabilitation, vocal coordination in gorillas, and pest control strategies for Drosophila suzukii. Projects often involve collaboration with international teams and interdisciplinary approaches, blending genetics, ecology, and mathematical modeling. Pen has supervised PhD students like John Kreider and Maria Santos Mira, contributing to datasets on social polymorphism and genetic sex determination. He actively engages in open science initiatives, advocating for community-driven preprint systems to accelerate ecological and evolutionary research dissemination. Key contributions include theoretical frameworks on social insect caste determination and the role of environmental predictability in parental effects. His work frequently addresses evolutionary trade-offs, such as between survival and reproduction, and the interplay between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in aging. Pen’s research also highlights the importance of understanding evolutionary feedback from adaptive plasticity, as seen in studies on sex ratio control and conflict resolution in insect societies.