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Ace NorthView profile

Researcher

• Ecological Dynamics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Vector Control
• +3 more

Dr. Ace North is a Researcher at the University of Oxford, focusing on ecological and evolutionary dynamics of malaria-spreading mosquito populations. Their work emphasizes the application of gene drives and transgenic elements to suppress malaria transmission. Research employs mathematical and statistical models to address questions in population response to interventions, field observations of mosquito abundance, and transitions from lab to field trials. Key research areas include gene drive efficacy in African environments, suppression strategies for malaria vectors, and risk assessment frameworks for genetically modified mosquitoes. Collaborative field experiments in Burkina Faso have evaluated fitness and dispersal of sterile mosquitoes. Publications highlight modeling priorities, meta-analyses of mosquito longevity, and large-scale genetic intervention potential. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided texts. Advising roles or student supervision details are not documented here. Research activities are centered around laboratory and field experiments, with a focus on bridging theoretical models and real-world applications in vector control.

• Ecology
• Plant Biology
• Environmental Science
• +3 more

Dr. Cynthia Sagers is a professor at Arizona State University (ASU) and currently serves as Vice President for Research since 2018. She previously held leadership roles at Oregon State University and the University of Arkansas, advancing interdisciplinary research initiatives and infrastructure. Her academic career spans over three decades, with positions in biological sciences and leadership roles in federal agencies like the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Education: Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Utah, followed by postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley. She has authored numerous articles in population biology and ecology, with recent work focusing on food safety policy and transgenic organism management. Research Interests: Ecological impacts of genetically modified organisms, ecological risk assessment, plant-insect interactions, and policy frameworks for biotechnology. Her work integrates field studies with policy analysis to address environmental and agricultural challenges. Leadership Highlights: Spearheaded ASU's research enterprise growth, including international collaborations and major research infrastructure projects. Scientific Contributions: Over 50 peer-reviewed publications on plant ecology, ecological risk, and biotechnology policy. Awards: Recognized as a research fellow with the NSF, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and National Research Council.

• Environmental Biotechnology
• Enzyme Discovery
• Bioremediation
• +7 more

Professor Neil C Bruce is the Director of the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) at the University of York, UK, where he holds a Chair in Biotechnology within the Department of Biology. His research integrates plant and microbial biochemistry with environmental biotechnology, focusing on enzyme discovery for industrial and ecological applications. His research interests are centered on enzyme discovery and engineering for environmental and industrial biotechnology. He investigates the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds, particularly explosives such as TNT and RDX, in plants and microbes. His lab employs multi-omics approaches (proteomics, transcriptomics) to discover novel enzymes involved in lignocellulose degradation from marine and terrestrial sources. A key innovation is the use of synthetic biology to engineer transgenic plants for phytoremediation of polluted soils, combining bacterial biodegradation pathways with plant systems for enhanced pollutant removal. The recent publication trends highlight a strong focus on lignocellulose-degrading enzymes , particularly from fungi like Parascedosporium putredinis , and the application of phyto-nanotechnology for metal recovery and catalysis. His work spans fundamental enzyme characterization to applied bioremediation and biobased material production, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainable biotechnology. Scientific Awards: Junior Research Fellowship, Wolfson College Cambridge (1988) Environmental Science & Technology Top Environmental Technology Paper of 2007 SERDP Environmental Restoration Project of the Year Award (2009) Neil Bruce leads multiple research projects funded by BBSRC, including biorefining of sugarcane bagasse and engineering plant-based systems for platinum group metal recovery. He has supervised numerous PhD and research projects aligned with CNAP’s mission. His lab collaborates across disciplines, contributing to innovations in waste valorization, green chemistry, and sustainable materials. He also serves on national panels such as the BBSRC Bioscience for Renewable Resources and Clean Growth Strategy Advisory Panel. His team operates within the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, a leading research center at the University of York focused on sustainable crop solutions and environmental biotechnology. The lab combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and synthetic biology to develop real-world applications for pollution mitigation and resource recovery.

Sara MillerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Genomics
• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +5 more

Sara Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She leads the Social Insect Diversity Lab, focusing on the interplay between genomics, behavior, and ecology in shaping biological diversity. Her research primarily investigates primitively eusocial Polistes paper wasps, examining speciation drivers, social behavior's impact on diversification rates, and biodiversity comparisons between social and solitary insects. Methodologies include genome assembly, population genetics, museum collections, and behavioral experiments. 2025: Evolution of cognition in social insects 2025: Genomic architecture and phylogeny 2023: Cooperation and recognition mechanisms 2023: Sex-linked genetic variation 2022: Polistes genome assemblies 2021: Environmental genomics and behavior 2020: Population structure and coevolution The Social Insect Diversity Lab serves as a hub for exploring social insect evolution through modern genomic and ecological approaches. Dr. Miller's work bridges molecular biology with macroevolutionary questions, emphasizing interdisciplinary research across biological scales.

• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Insect Immunity
• Host-Parasite Interactions
• +2 more

Silvia Gigliotti is a Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR-CNR) in Naples, Italy, since 2014. She contributes to the European PhD program in Insect Science and Biotechnology as a member of the Scientific Board and has previously lectured on Insect Biotechnology at the University of Naples 'Federico II' (2009-2013). Her research spans molecular genetics, developmental biology, and insect immunology. Research Focus: Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, her work investigates cell and developmental biology mechanisms, particularly in insect immunity and host-parasite interactions with parasitoid wasps. Her studies aim to identify immunosuppressive parasitoid molecules for bioinsecticide development and explore genetic/molecular characterization of immune genes through RNAi techniques. Key Contributions: Functional analysis of immune genes like P102 in Spodoptera littoralis (2014), discovery of functional amyloids in insect immune responses (2012), and molecular studies on translational repression in germ cell development (2012). Her work bridges genetic research with biotechnological applications for pest control. Scientific Recognition: Recipient of the 1988 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Italian Society of Biophysics and Molecular Biology Contributor to 15+ peer-reviewed publications (2010-2023) on insect immunity, gene regulation, and biocontrol strategies Collaborations: Works with international institutions including Georg-August University (Germany), US Department of Agriculture (USA), and European research networks. Her lab collaborates on Drosophila models, Varroa destructor studies, and Spodoptera immune gene analysis.

Andrei AlyokhinView profile

Professor

• Applied Entomology
• Insect Ecology
• Integrated Pest Management
• +9 more

Andrei Alyokhin is a Professor of Applied Entomology at the University of Maine, affiliated with the School of Biology and Ecology within the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. He is also associated with the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES), where his research contributes to sustainable agricultural systems, particularly in potato production. His work is supported by the McIntire-Stennis program, focusing on ecological and evolutionary dimensions of pest management. Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1999) His research integrates ecology, evolution, and pest management to predict the impacts of human interventions—such as insecticides and transgenic crops—on insect communities. He emphasizes sustainable approaches to managing both destructive pests and beneficial organisms like pollinators. His work spans chemical ecology, population dynamics, biological invasions, and integrated pest management, with a strong focus on potato agroecosystems. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on sustainable pest control, with emerging themes in RNAi-based insecticides, black soldier fly applications, and modeling of disease spread. His research combines molecular, ecological, and computational methods to address real-world agricultural challenges. Although no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text, his publications in high-impact journals such as Nature and Pest Management Science indicate significant scholarly contributions. Alyokhin advises graduate and undergraduate students, leading a research group split between the Orono campus and the Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle. His lab investigates both applied and fundamental questions in entomology, with strong industry and extension relevance. While specific grants are not detailed, his work is supported by federal and institutional programs, including MAFES and McIntire-Stennis. His laboratory operates across two key locations: the main campus in Orono and the Aroostook Research Farm, managed by Aaron Buzza. This dual-site setup allows for both controlled experiments and field-based research in the heart of Maine’s potato-growing region, facilitating translational research from lab to farm.

Daniel WilsonView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Collaboration and Group Learning
• Design of Learning Spaces
• Adult Learning and Workplace Leadership
• +3 more

Daniel Wilson is a Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and Principal Investigator at Project Zero. He focuses on collaboration dynamics, learning space design, and adult leadership in education. Former Director of Project Zero (2014-2023) and Faculty Chair of the HGSE-Harvard Graduate School of Design joint initiative, 'Learning Environments for Tomorrow.' His work spans global educational collaborations and research projects since joining Project Zero in 1993. Notable projects include 'Making Learning Visible,' 'Pedagogy of Play,' and 'Citizen-Learners.' He has authored books like Visible Learners and A Pedagogy of Play . His research emphasizes Reggio-inspired approaches, playful learning methodologies, and leadership frameworks for 21st-century education. Research Highlights: Designing physical spaces that foster collaborative learning environments Adult learning and leadership in workplace and educational contexts Playful pedagogy and its integration into curricula Cross-cultural educational partnerships Recent Contributions: Developed frameworks for 'Citizen-Learners' and professional development in schools Authored tools like the 'Learning Innovations Laboratory' and 'Learning Through Play Planner' Led projects such as 'The Story Work Project' and 'Learning Spaces Lab'

• Insect Behavior
• Western Corn Rootworm Ecology
• Crop Rotation Resistance
• +4 more

Joseph Lee Spencer is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Department of Entomology and Crop Sciences within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. He holds the title of Principal Insect Behaviorist at the Illinois Natural History Survey. Education: PhD in Entomology, Michigan State University (1994) MS in Entomology, Michigan State University (1990) BS in Biological Sciences, Michigan State University (1987) Research Interests: Mechanisms of insect behavior, focusing on western corn rootworm (WCR) movement and mating in Bt-transgenic corn. Impact of diet and physiology on WCR behavior and resistance to crop rotation. Development of monitoring tools for WCR activity using soybean herbivory evidence. Ecology of field crop pests and biomass crop effects on pest behavior. Research Trends: His work emphasizes behavioral, physiological, and ecological factors driving WCR resistance to pest management strategies. Recent studies highlight transgenic crop refuges, movement ecology, and soybean herbivory as critical areas for sustainable pest control. Awards: Recipient of the 2003 Team Award for Excellence in the Western Corn Rootworm Research Group. Grants & Advising: While specific grants or advisees are not listed, Spencer’s collaborative research on rootworm behavior implies significant institutional and team-based support. His work bridges applied and theoretical entomology, with practical implications for farmers and agricultural policymakers. Labs/Teams: Collaborations are centered at the Illinois Natural History Survey and involve interdisciplinary teams studying agroecosystems and pest management.

• Potato breeding and genetics
• Polyploid breeding
• Disease and insect resistance
• +5 more

David S. Douches is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences within Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He directs three major programs: the MSU Potato Breeding & Genetics program, the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, and the USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership operating in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Kenya. Since joining MSU in 1988, he has released over 30 potato varieties and secured significant funding including USDA/NIFA North Central Regional Potato Breeding grants and USDA/BRAG gene editing projects. Dr. Douches earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. His expertise spans potato breeding and genetics with focus areas including: Polyploid breeding and genetics Breeding for disease and insect resistance SNP marker development and application Genetic engineering and gene editing applications Trait mapping and diploid potato breeding systems His research portfolio demonstrates strong emphasis on translating genetic discoveries into practical breeding outcomes. Recent publications highlight work on CRISPR-based self-compatibility induction in diploid potatoes, late blight resistance through R-gene stacking, heat tolerance mechanisms in wild germplasm, and molecular dissection of quality traits like cold-induced sweetening. The work bridges fundamental genomics with applied breeding objectives across multiple international contexts. Scientific recognition includes: Honorary Life Membership to Potato Association of America (2021) 2019 Corporate Connector of the Year 2014 William Beal Outstanding Faculty Award 2011 Potato Researcher of the Year Award Dr. Douches actively mentors graduate students like Natalie Kirk Wyland (studying Colorado potato beetle resistance) and Felix Encisol (focusing on genome editing). His $6M USDA-funded research on pest-management strategies involves international collaborations across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, South Africa, China, Peru, Guatemala, and Honduras. He previously directed the Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project (SolCAP) which developed four widely-used potato SNP arrays. Current leadership includes the USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership (2015-2026) and USDA-funded biotech initiatives assessing gene editing off-target effects. His Molecular Plant Sciences laboratory at 1066 Bogue Street conducts hands-on breeding work from greenhouse to field trials, emphasizing student involvement in all research stages. The program maintains strong industry connections through Michigan's position as the top US state for potato chip production.

AnilKumar MoolaView profile

Research Fellow

• Biotechnology
• Phytochemistry
• Plant Metabolites
• +5 more

AnilKumar Moola is a Research Fellow at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, affiliated with the Palli Lab. His research focuses on biotechnology, phytochemistry, and environmental applications of plant-derived compounds. He explores topics such as plant secondary metabolites, biopesticides, nanotechnology in agriculture, and bioremediation of pollutants. His work integrates molecular biology, entomology, and toxicology to address challenges in pest control, stress responses in plants, and sustainable materials. Recent studies include neuroprotective potential of Celastrol, histone acetylation in insect metamorphosis, and PPAR gamma agonists from plant compounds. He also investigates eco-friendly bioremediation strategies using microalgae and nanoparticles. His research emphasizes translational applications, such as enhancing plant metabolite production through genetic engineering and elicitation techniques. Key contributions include larvicidal activity studies against Aedes aegypti, development of biochar for heavy metal remediation, and evaluation of plant extracts for therapeutic uses. Moola's interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental biology with practical solutions for environmental and health challenges.

Kumaran NarayananView profile

Associate Professor

• Gene Expression
• Genetics
• Gene Therapy
• +12 more

Kumaran Narayanan is an Associate Professor at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Malaysia. His research is centered on gene delivery and expression systems, with a strong focus on developing innovative therapies for genetic diseases such as Fabry disease. He also teaches biotechnology and mentors PhD students. Education: PhD in Genetics, University of Melbourne Research Interests: Dr. Narayanan's research spans three major domains: (1) Understanding cellular dysfunction in Fabry disease, particularly oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, to develop targeted pharmacological interventions; (2) Optimizing non-pathogenic E. coli strains as vectors for efficient delivery of large genes into mammalian cells; and (3) Developing artificial chromosomes for stable, long-term transgene expression. His work integrates molecular biology, microbial engineering, and therapeutic innovation. Research Trends: His recent publications reflect a multidisciplinary approach, combining molecular genetics, microbiology, environmental science, and computational modeling. Key themes include gene therapy development, bacterial vector systems, lysosomal storage disorders, and novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. His work often involves translational applications, from agricultural biotechnology to human disease modeling. Scientific Awards: Nucleic Acid Marker kit for the formation of customizable nucleic acid markers (awarded 18 Dec 2022) Advising and Grants: He is currently accepting PhD students and supervises projects in Fabry disease mechanisms and E. coli-based gene delivery. He has been a Chief Investigator or Primary Chief Investigator on multiple funded research projects, including studies on Fabry disease, Shigella virulence, cobra cytotoxins, weedy rice stress response, and poultry vaccine delivery systems. These projects demonstrate strong interdisciplinary collaboration and external funding support. Labs and Teams: Dr. Narayanan leads a research group focused on gene delivery and expression systems, collaborating with national and international teams across microbiology, genetics, and biomedical engineering. His lab integrates experimental and computational approaches to advance genetic medicine and biotechnological applications.

Rajinikanth MohanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Immunity
• Microbiome Research
• Bioremediation
• +3 more

Dr. Rajinikanth Mohan serves as an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Mercyhurst University. He teaches majors courses in Microbiology and Biochemistry, non-majors Microbiology, and graduate-level Microbiology & Genetics for the Physician Assistant Studies program while mentoring 12 undergraduate researchers. Research Focus: His work explores plant immunity mechanisms, microbial applications in sustainable agriculture, and bioremediation. Recent publications highlight research on NPR1 protein dynamics, microbiome-assisted crop protection, xenobiotic degradation, and plant-pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on molecular signaling and ecological applications.

Argelia LorenceView profile

Professor

• Plant Metabolic Engineering
• Vitamin C Metabolism
• Plant Stress Tolerance
• +3 more

Dr. Argelia Lorence is a Professor of Metabolic Engineering at Arkansas State University's Beck College of Sciences & Mathematics, Department of Chemistry and Physics. She holds the Vaughn Endowed Professorship and serves as Director of the A-State Phenomics Facility. Her research focuses on plant metabolic engineering, particularly vitamin C metabolism and its role in stress tolerance and aging delays, using model plants like Arabidopsis, tomato, and rice. Education: Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), M.Sc. in Biotechnology from UNAM, and B.Sc. in Biochemical Engineering from Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa (UAM-I), Mexico. Her work spans plant metabolic networks, engineering biosynthetic pathways for nutritional enhancement, and developing high-throughput phenotyping systems to study stress tolerance. She collaborates across disciplines to improve crop resilience and productivity in changing climates. The 2024-2022 publications highlight her contributions to ascorbate biosynthesis pathways, stress tolerance mechanisms, and advanced phenotyping technologies. Key themes include climate-resilient crops, genetic engineering for vitamin C optimization, and automated phenomic data analysis. Scientific Awards: Vaughn Endowed Professorship (2024, 2023, 2022, etc.). She leads the A-State Plant High Throughput Phenotyping Facility since 2011 and is affiliated with AAAS, NAPPN, NEAHPN, PSNA, and Sigma Xi. Teaching specialties include Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Biochemistry, and Topics in Molecular Biosciences.

Carsten KülheimView profile

Associate Professor

• Genetic basis of trait variation
• Plant adaptation to local environment
• Plant secondary metabolism
• +2 more

Dr. Carsten Külheim is an Associate Professor at Michigan Tech's Ecosystem Science Center, specializing in plant-environment interactions and forest resilience. His research combines genomics, chemical ecology, and functional biology to develop trees capable of thriving under climate stressors. Education: Ph.D. and B.S. in Plant Physiology from Umeå University Research Focus: Investigates abiotic (heat, drought, cold) and biotic (insects, pathogens) stress responses in trees, utilizing whole-genome sequencing, functional genomics, and plant physiology. Key applications include sustainable forestry, biofuels, and high-tech material production from timber. Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes terpene metabolism in Eucalyptus, climate adaptation strategies in oak species, and genomic approaches to wood formation. Research spans stress physiology, chemical defense mechanisms, and evolutionary genetics. Laboratory: The Kuelheim Laboratory develops genetic tools for improving tree resilience and resource efficiency in changing environments.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Regeneration
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Jakub Wudarski serves as a Research Scientist at the University of Nevada, Reno within the Gulia-Nuss Lab, where he investigates stem cell dynamics and regenerative mechanisms using Macrostomum lignano flatworms and Ixodes scapularis ticks as model systems. His work bridges fundamental developmental biology with applied vector control strategies for tick-borne diseases. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen Pre-Master in International Business and Management from the University of Groningen Postgraduate Education Training in Forensic Science from the University of Warsaw Master of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Warsaw Wudarski's research centers on Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration , with specialized expertise in transgenic model development and genome editing. He pioneered tissue-specific fluorescent marker systems in flatworms during his doctoral work and now extends these techniques to arthropod vectors. His current projects focus on embryonic development in ticks, heat-stress responses in retrotransposon regulation, and CRISPR-based approaches for vector control, demonstrating exceptional technical innovation in non-traditional model organisms. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) transgenesis tool development for M. lignano using piggyBac systems, (2) embryonic patterning studies in I. scapularis revealing syncytial organization mechanisms, and (3) stress-induced retrotransposon activation in regeneration models. These themes collectively advance regenerative biology while providing novel genetic strategies for combating vector-borne diseases. Wudarski maintains active membership in the Gulia-Nuss Lab, contributing to its mission of understanding tick-pathogen interactions through cutting-edge molecular approaches. His professional development includes Coursera certifications in Cancer Biology, Genes and the Human Condition, Decentralized Finance, and Python programming, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement beyond core research activities. No documented student advising relationships or research grants were identified in available materials.