Dr. Robert Reenan is a Professor of Biology at Brown University, affiliated with the Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry. His research spans evolutionary genetics, RNA editing, and neurogenetics, focusing on how genomes regulate rapid signaling in the brain through mechanisms like RNA editing and comparative genomics. He has contributed extensively to understanding RNA editing’s role in diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy. Education: PhD in Genetics (Harvard Medical School, 1991), AB in Biology (University of Missouri, 1984) Research Interests: Dr. Reenan investigates RNA editing, ion channels, neurogenetics, and their implications in aging, neurological disorders, and evolutionary adaptation. His work reveals how RNA editing modulates gene function in Drosophila, impacting diseases like ALS and epilepsy. Grants & Collaborations: He has secured major grants from the ALS Association, NIH (NINDS), Ellison Medical Foundation, and NSF. Collaborations include partnerships with researchers like Stephen Helfand, Gary Wessel, and Louis Lapierre. Teaching: Dr. Reenan teaches courses in genetics, molecular genetics, neurogenetics, and scientific communication.
Yehuda Ben-Shahar is a Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, where he has served since 2008. His research integrates behavioral, genetic, genomic, and molecular approaches to investigate the genetic architectures underlying animal behavior, primarily using Drosophila melanogaster and honey bees as model systems. He maintains laboratory facilities at the Bayer Laboratory (Room 406) and conducts field research at the Tyson Research Center. Ben-Shahar earned his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on how specific genes in neuronal circuits govern behaviors like feeding and mating decisions, with significant contributions to understanding honey bee social behavior evolution. Recent work centers on the gut microbiome's role in nestmate recognition and developing genetic tools for non-model insects. His publication record reveals consistent innovation in behavioral genetics, with recent emphasis shifting toward microbial influences on social behavior and neural circuit analysis. Early work established foundational insights into gene-behavior relationships, while current research explores chemosensory mechanisms across insect and mammalian systems. Scientific recognition includes: Multiple Faculty of 1000 'Must read' designations (2002, 2007, 2009) Cover features in Science (2009) and Journal of Experimental Biology (2002) 'Mutant of the Month' in Nature Genetics (2006) Extensive media coverage including NPR, CBC Radio, and major newspapers Ben-Shahar mentors graduate students including Cassie Vernier (whose 2020 Science Advances paper defined gut microbiome roles in hive membership) and has supervised numerous undergraduates. His lab operates through collaborative grants supporting research at the intersection of genetics, neuroscience, and social behavior. The Ben-Shahar Lab maintains active research teams at the Bayer Laboratory for molecular work and the Tyson Research Center for honey bee studies, with recent projects involving cyborg locust development and odor-guided navigation research.
Michelle A. Whaley is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where she has been an influential educator and researcher since 1993. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and a B.S. from Scripps College. Her roles include faculty coordinator of the Undergraduate Research program and the Alumni Mentor program, and she previously served as Assistant Department Chair (2014–2019) and REU Program Director (1999–present). Teaching Professor, University of Notre Dame (2011–Present) Associate Teaching Professor (2001–2011) Assistant Teaching Professor (1993–2000) Ph.D., University of Notre Dame B.S., Scripps College Her research centers on the cellular and molecular basis of vision in mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae , focusing on rhodopsin regulation, gene expression, and light-evoked behaviors. She uses transgenic Drosophila models to study mosquito genes and collaborates extensively with Dr. Joseph O'Tousa. Her work bridges genetics, neuroscience, and infectious disease research, with strong emphasis on undergraduate involvement. The recent publications (2012–2022) reflect a sustained focus on visual gene function in mosquitoes, especially rhodopsin dynamics and light-mediated behavior. These studies combine molecular biology, genetics, and neuroethology, contributing to broader efforts in vector-borne disease control. Her educational scholarship includes curriculum reform in introductory biology, promoting inquiry-based and research-integrated learning. Her scientific honors include: Indiana Professor of the Year (2014) Edmund P. Joyce, CSC, Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2014) Arthur Quigley, PhD Award for community service and education (2012) Michelle Whaley is deeply committed to student mentorship, having advised numerous undergraduate researchers and directed the REU program for over two decades. She teaches research-intensive courses such as the CRISPR Research Experience and Classical and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, and she leads the Graduate Student Teaching Apprenticeship Program. Her educational leadership extends to curriculum development, including co-chairing the committee to reimagine introductory biology and serving as Faculty Fellow at the Institute for Educational Initiatives. She is actively involved in several educational and research teams, including the Jordan Research Teams and the Molecules to Ecosystems introductory biology initiative, fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary learning environments.
Anthony Zukoff serves as an Instructor of Entomology at the Southwest Research and Extension Center (SWREC), part of Kansas State University's Research and Extension system. Based in Garden City, Kansas, his primary responsibility is extension outreach in entomology, with a focus on addressing current and emerging insect pest issues affecting crop production in Western Kansas. He actively communicates through social media, particularly on X (Twitter) as @WestKSBugs, to disseminate timely information to stakeholders. His research and extension interests are deeply rooted in agricultural entomology, specifically the management of insect pests in major field crops of the region. These include alfalfa, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower, wheat, and cotton. Additionally, he has shown interest in pollinator conservation, as demonstrated by his work on monarch butterfly and pollinator habitat development. His approach emphasizes practical, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that are critical for sustainable agriculture in the challenging environments of Western Kansas. Dr. Zukoff's recent scholarly output includes the 2025 crop-specific insect pest management guides, which collectively cover the major field crops grown in Kansas. These publications represent a systematic effort to provide up-to-date, research-based recommendations for pest control, reflecting the dynamic nature of pest pressures and the need for adaptive management solutions. His work bridges the gap between entomological research and on-farm application, ensuring that producers have access to the latest strategies for protecting their crops. Scientific awards and honors are not mentioned in the available information. Regarding academic advising and research funding, the provided materials do not indicate any graduate students supervised by Dr. Zukoff nor any details about grants he may have secured. His role appears to be primarily focused on extension and outreach rather than graduate mentoring or large-scale research projects requiring external funding. Anthony Zukoff is embedded within the Southwest Research and Extension Center, a key component of Kansas State University's network of research and extension centers across the state. The SWREC conducts applied research and delivers extension programs tailored to the agricultural and natural resource needs of Western Kansas, and Dr. Zukoff's entomology expertise is a vital part of this mission.
Kyle Benowitz is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's School of Applied Sciences and Arts. His research focuses on evolutionary genetics, particularly how social interactions influence evolution through indirect genetic effects (IGE). He uses burying beetles as a primary model organism to study genes associated with parental care and their evolutionary dynamics. Benowitz also collaborates on projects related to multilevel selection, insecticide resistance, and complex trait genetics in desert-adapted flies. Education: Ph.D. in Genetics, University of Georgia, 2017 B.A. in Biology, University of Virginia, 2012 Research Interests: Genomic and behavioral mechanisms of IGE Evolution of parental care in burying beetles Insecticide resistance in agricultural pests Genetic basis of social behavior transitions Recent work highlights trends in genomic analysis of burying beetles, comparative genomics of Drosophila species, and studies on Bt crop resistance. His lab combines behavioral studies with quantitative and population genomic approaches. Benowitz teaches courses in genetics and applied biological sciences at ASU. His research has been supported by grants focusing on IGE detection and evolutionary genomics.
Dr Hazel Parry is a Senior Research Scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), with a focus on environmental drivers of pest and disease outbreaks. Her work integrates ecological and economic dimensions to advance Area-wide Integrated Pest Management (AW-IPM) and Digital IPM through spatiotemporal and simulation models. Education: PhD in Geography (Ecological Modelling), University of Leeds (2006) BA (Hons) in Geography, University of Cambridge (2002) Research Themes: Movement ecology of pests and beneficial species (e.g., Lepidoptera, fruit bats, fruit flies) AW-IPM in dynamic socio-agroecological systems Best practices in spatiotemporal and MLAI-based pest population forecasting Her work bridges multi-agent simulation , GIS , and ecological modelling to address food security and biosecurity challenges. Current Projects: Pest READI (Hort Frontiers funded, project leader) Canola Allies (GRDC funded, collaboration with Universities of Adelaide and Murdoch) Area-wide management of Queensland Fruit-fly (Rural R&D for Profit funded, project leader) Improved Management of Rutherglen bug (GRDC funded, project leader) Collaborations: University of Queensland, University of Wisconsin, Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology, INRAE (France), Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation, and industry bodies like GrowCom. Supervision: Co-supervised PhD student Jaye Newman (Graduated 2023, QUT) and currently supervises postdoctoral researchers in projects like Precision Pollination (ARC Linkage) and Winanga-y Fellowship .
Ernst Wimmer is a Professor of Developmental Biology at the Department of Developmental Biology, Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Georg August University, Göttingen. He leads a research group focused on evolutionary developmental biology and applied insect biotechnology. He is also affiliated with the GGNB graduate programs: Genes in Development, Disease and Evolution; Molecular Biology (IMPRS); Cellular and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB); and Sensory and Motor Neuroscience. His research centers on the phylogenetic variance and plasticity of developmental processes in arthropods, particularly using Tribolium castaneum and other insect models. His group investigates gene regulation in pattern formation, sex determination, and the evolution of developmental mechanisms. They employ transgenesis, functional genomics, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to study gene function and regulatory networks. A major applied focus is improving the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) through biotechnological innovations such as transgenic female-specific lethality, reproductive sterility systems, and transgenic markers for monitoring. His work also explores beetle olfaction and the development and biochemistry of defensive stink glands. His recent publications reflect strong expertise in genome editing, functional screening (e.g., iBeetle RNAi), pest genome analysis, and genetic pest management. The work spans from basic developmental mechanisms to applied biotechnology. Key trends include the use of CRISPR for gene drives and strain development, transcriptomic analysis of chemosensory and defensive systems, and the molecular basis of sex determination in insects. Scientific Awards: No awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Ernst Wimmer has supervised numerous collaborative research projects and large-scale initiatives such as the iBeetle RNAi screen and the Ceratitis capitata genome project. His lab receives funding for biotechnological pest control research, particularly in developing genetic systems for SIT enhancement. While specific grants are not listed, the scope and impact of his publications suggest sustained support from national and international funding bodies. He has mentored many early-career researchers and collaborators, though formal advisees are not named. His research group operates within the Department of Developmental Biology at Göttingen and is integrated into multiple interdisciplinary research networks and graduate programs. The lab combines molecular genetics, genomics, and developmental biology to address both fundamental and applied questions in insect biology.
Dr. Bryony C. Bonning is an Eminent Scholar and Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, where she also serves as Director of the Center for Arthropod Management Technologies (CAMTech), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. Her research program focuses on developing novel, environmentally benign alternatives to chemical insecticides for insect pest management. Dr. Bonning completed postdoctoral appointments at the Natural Environment Research Council Institute of Virology in Oxford, UK and at the University of California, Davis, USA. She joined the faculty at Iowa State University before moving to the University of Florida in 2017. Her research centers on insect physiology and pathology, with particular emphasis on citrus pest management targeting $$Diaphorina citri$$ (Asian citrus psyllid). Current projects include studying insect hormones and enzymes, optimizing $$Bacillus thuringiensis$$ toxins, genetic optimization of insect viruses for pest management, insect virus discovery, and the use of viral proteins for development of insect resistant transgenic plants. This work bridges fundamental biological insights with practical applications for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Bonning's extensive publication record spanning three decades demonstrates a clear trajectory from basic research on insect-pathogen interactions toward practical applications in agriculture. Her work shows increasing sophistication in protein engineering approaches for targeted pest control while minimizing environmental impact, with recent focus on citrus greening disease management. Eminent Scholar designation at the University of Florida Director of NSF-funded Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (CAMTech) Extensive patent portfolio in insect pest management technologies Dr. Bonning mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers while leading a multidisciplinary team through CAMTech. Her laboratory collaborates with industry partners to translate research findings into practical pest management solutions, securing significant grant funding for sustainable agriculture research. The Bonning Lab maintains active research programs in insect pathology, biotechnology, and pest management, with a focus on developing environmentally sustainable approaches to agricultural challenges, particularly in citrus production systems affected by $$Diaphorina citri$$ and citrus greening disease.
Joe Louis is the Eberhard Professor of Entomology in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he leads groundbreaking research on plant-insect interactions and crop resistance mechanisms. His work bridges molecular biology, chemical ecology, and agricultural science to address critical pest challenges in sorghum and related crops. Dr. Louis specializes in aphid resistance mechanisms, particularly in sorghum against pests like the sugarcane aphid ( Melanaphis sacchari ) and fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda ). His research explores phenylpropanoid pathways, cuticular wax composition, phytohormone signaling (jasmonic acid, abscisic acid), and genetic modifications that enhance plant defense. Key methodologies include transcriptomics, metabolomics, and high-throughput phenotyping to identify resistance traits. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a dominant focus on sorghum-aphid interactions, with emerging work on fall armyworm defenses. Critical themes include the role of Brown midrib (BMR) mutants in resistance, the impact of epicuticular waxes on insect feeding behavior, and the function of specific genes (e.g., CCoAOMT, Zm4CL5) in defense pathways. His research demonstrates how plant age, phenology, and environmental factors modulate resistance efficacy. Scientific recognition includes: NSF CAREER Award (2019) for "Deciphering sorghum resistance mechanisms to phloem-feeding aphids" Dr. Louis's research program is supported by significant competitive grants, including the NSF CAREER award, which funds his work on molecular mechanisms of sorghum resistance. While specific advising details are not documented in available sources, his prolific publication output indicates active mentorship of graduate students in entomology and plant sciences. His work directly informs breeding programs for aphid-resistant sorghum varieties. Research is conducted within the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, contributing to the university's agricultural research mission through collaborations with plant breeders, pathologists, and field entomologists. His laboratory integrates molecular techniques with field-based validation to ensure practical applications for sustainable pest management.
Julie Peterson is Professor and Extension Specialist in Entomology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, leading the Agroecosystems Entomology Lab with 50% research and 50% extension responsibilities. Her program develops IPM strategies for field crops, focusing on insect ecology, resistance management, and biological control. Notable honors include the Excellence in Extension-Relevance Award (2018) and J.H. Comstock Award (2012). Research examines pest management compatibility with natural enemies, Bt-endotoxin exposure pathways, and resistance evolution in key agricultural pests. Recent work addresses western corn rootworm pyrethroid resistance and biological control agent evaluation. Extension activities translate findings for Nebraska growers through field validation and educational programs.
Anna Whitfield is a Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University , where she joined in 2017 as part of the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program in Emerging Plant Diseases and Global Food Security. Her research focuses on plant-virus-vector interactions , aiming to develop biologically-based strategies for sustainable disease control. Education : M.S. from the University of California-Davis; Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Research Priorities : Molecular mechanisms of virus transmission, functional genomics of insect vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for vector competence reduction, RNA interference for pest control, and plant rhabdovirus infectious clone development. Her work integrates CRISPR, RNAi, and LAMP/Cas12a diagnostic tools to combat resistance-breaking variants of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and Maize Mosaic Virus (MMV). She leads multiple USDA-funded grants targeting thrips and orthotospovirus control through innovative molecular approaches. Scientific Awards : Alumni Outstanding Research Award (2023) NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program (2010) American Society for Virology Joel M. Dalrymple Memorial Award (2003) Whitfield mentors a diverse group of Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduate researchers , with former lab members now in academia and the agricultural biotech industry. She also contributes to plant disease management programs via the Plant-Aid sensor platform for real-time pathogen detection.
Jaime Piñero is an Extension Professor of Fruit Entomology and Integrated Pest Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst , affiliated with the Stockbridge School of Agriculture . He holds a three-way appointment integrating research, Extension, and teaching, with a focus on sustainable pest management in fruit systems. His work bridges laboratory and field research with direct outreach to growers. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2005 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, 2005–2007 B.Sc. in Agronomy, University of Veracruz, Mexico, 1992 His research interests center on insect-plant interactions , insect sensory ecology (especially olfaction and vision), and behaviorally-based pest management . He develops ecologically sound Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies such as attract-and-kill systems, mass trapping, and bait stations for pests like spotted wing drosophila, plum curculio, Japanese beetles, and tephritid fruit flies. His work integrates chemical, biological, and behavioral control methods to reduce reliance on conventional insecticides. The trends in his recent publications show a consistent focus on semiochemicals, lure optimization, and non-chemical control methods. He investigates the synergistic effects of volatiles like β-cyclocitral and ammonium acetate, evaluates biopesticides such as entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, and explores innovative materials like chitosan and nonnutritive sugars. His research spans molecular mechanisms (e.g., gene expression in resistant aphids) to field-scale IPM trials in apple and small fruit orchards. Scientific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided text. In terms of advising and grants , while specific student names and grant titles are not mentioned, his role includes mentoring through research and Extension activities. His collaborative projects with researchers across institutions (e.g., USDA, University of Missouri, Lincoln University) and funding from federal and state programs are implied through his applied research and outreach. His Extension work includes training workshops, grower publications, and field demonstrations aimed at increasing IPM adoption and reducing environmental impact. He leads an active research lab focused on sustainable fruit pest management, as indicated by his ongoing publications and affiliations. His lab investigates behavioral ecology, biological control, and novel attractants, contributing to both scientific knowledge and practical solutions for fruit growers.
Sebastian Baumgarten is the Head of the 'Parasite RNA Biology' Group at the Institut Pasteur, France, a position he has held since June 2021. He is affiliated with the Department of Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions. Previously, he was a post-doctoral researcher at the same institute from 2016 to 2021. His educational background includes a Ph.D. (2013–2016) and MSc (2012–2013) from the Red Sea Research Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, and a BSc (2009–2012) from the University of Tübingen, Germany. His research centers on RNA biology in malaria parasites, particularly focusing on RNA modifications such as m6A and tRNA methylation, epigenetic regulation, and post-transcriptional gene control in Plasmodium falciparum . He employs advanced genomic techniques including CRISPR, RNAseq, and ChIPseq to study gene regulation and immune evasion mechanisms in protozoan parasites. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in understanding how RNA modifications influence parasite development, stress response, and antigenic variation. His work bridges molecular parasitology with epitranscriptomics, contributing significantly to the understanding of gene regulation in malaria parasites. Notable scientific contributions include studies published in Nature Microbiology , mBio , EMBO Reports , and Life Science Alliance , focusing on m6A methylation, RUF6 ncRNA interactions, and cohesin-mediated gene repression. He has supervised or collaborated with several researchers including post-doctoral fellows, PhD students, and technicians within his team. His group is actively involved in uncovering the molecular mechanisms of parasite survival and immune evasion, with potential implications for antimalarial drug and vaccine development. The 'Parasite RNA Biology' group operates within the Institut Pasteur's ecosystem, leveraging interdisciplinary platforms for genomics, imaging, and functional analysis to advance understanding of malaria parasite biology.
Professor Jane Langdale, CBE FRS FAA, is a Professor of Plant Development at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Department of Biology and The Queen's College. Her research focuses on the genetics and evolution of plant development, particularly the mechanisms underlying C4 photosynthesis in plants. She leads the Langdale Lab, which investigates how developmental pathways evolved to enable the C4 photosynthetic pathway, with a long-term goal of engineering this trait into C3 crops like rice. Her work integrates genetics, genomics, and cell biology to understand leaf anatomy and photosynthetic efficiency. Professor Langdale’s research has explored diverse plant taxa, including mosses, lycophytes, ferns, and grasses. She has pioneered methods for studying leaf development, such as spatial transcriptomics and single-cell analysis. Her contributions include identifying key genes like WIP6 and GOLDEN2-like that regulate leaf anatomy and chloroplast biogenesis. She has also developed genetic tools for rice, enabling precise tissue-specific gene expression. Her scientific achievements are recognized through prestigious awards: Commander of the British Empire (CBE), Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA). These honors reflect her global impact on plant science and agricultural innovation. Professor Langdale collaborates widely, contributing to initiatives like the C4 Rice Project. Her lab’s work bridges fundamental biology with applied challenges, aiming to enhance crop yields through photosynthetic improvements. Despite no listed students or grants in the provided text, her leadership in high-impact research underscores her role in mentoring and funding acquisition. Her research extends to understanding evolutionary transitions in plant development, such as the shift from 2D to 3D growth in mosses and the genetic basis of Kranz anatomy in C4 species. This work provides insights into how plants adapt to environmental challenges, including climate change.
Dylan Parry is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Biology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), where he leads research on invasive species impacts and conservation solutions in forest ecosystems. His work addresses critical threats from pests like gypsy moths and swallow-worts through ecological analysis and field-based interventions. Parry's research spans Invasive Species Ecology , Conservation Biology , and Entomology , with emphasis on climate-invasive species interactions. Key projects include biocontrol of swallow-worts using leaf beetles, investigating giant silk moth declines, and assessing non-target effects of transgenic American chestnut. His lab integrates physiological studies, field experiments, and ecological modeling to understand disturbance impacts and develop management strategies for threatened species like the bog buck moth. Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal consistent focus on climate-driven adaptations in invasive forest insects, particularly metabolic rate variation, cold tolerance, and dispersal mechanisms across invasion fronts. His work connects thermal biology to range expansion dynamics, while also addressing conservation of rare insects like Northern Barrens tiger beetles and evaluating ecosystem-scale impacts of invasive pests. Dylan Parry currently mentors four graduate students: David Harris (PhD, swallow-wort biocontrol), John McEachern (MS), Sam Quinn (PhD), and Amy Twohig (MS, plant pathogen-insect vectors). Recent graduates include Laura Stark (MS, earthworm-plant co-invasions), Fate Syewoangnuan (MS, invasive species management evaluation), and Chris Johnson (award-winning chestnut gall wasp research). His lab secures funding for initiatives like the bog buck moth captive breeding program and swallow-wort biocontrol. The Parry Lab operates as an active field and laboratory research unit within SUNY ESF, conducting studies in New York forests and collaborating with agencies on invasive species management. Projects include climate-gypsy moth physiology investigations, pine barrens Lepidoptera restoration, and browntail moth resurgence analysis. The lab maintains public engagement through Instagram and high school outreach programs using plasticine caterpillar predation models.
