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Jennifer S. Thaler is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis (1999) and a B.A. from Wellesley College (1993). Her research focuses on tri-trophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and predators, with an emphasis on chemical ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and pest control strategies. She teaches courses such as Chemical Ecology and Insect Ecology, and her work bridges fundamental ecological theory with applied agricultural challenges. Dr. Thaler’s research investigates how plant traits, predator presence, and nutritional states influence herbivore behavior and population dynamics. Notable projects include studying non-consumptive predator effects, plant genotypic diversity’s impact on herbivores, and the evolutionary potential of antipredator plasticity. Her publications span journals like Ecology , Oecologia , and Proceedings of the Royal Society B . Her scientific contributions include winning the 2nd place Elton Prize (2015) for research on predator effects on aphids. She actively engages in departmental initiatives, including the Graduate Program and the Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar. Affiliated with the Cornell Stable Isotope Laboratory, she contributes to interdisciplinary efforts in ecological research and education.

• Population and community ecology
• Plant-insect interactions
• Tri-trophic interactions
• +3 more

Jennifer Smith is a faculty researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, where she leads the Smith Lab within the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. Her work focuses on coral reef ecosystems, integrating ecology with conservation, restoration, and sustainability. Her research explores how human activities such as nutrient pollution, invasive species, and climate change affect benthic marine communities. She has pioneered the use of large-area imaging and structure-from-motion technology to monitor long-term changes in Maui's coral reefs, including responses to sequential bleaching events and wildfire impacts. Her lab investigates microbial interactions with corals and the role of algae in reef degradation and resilience. Dr. Smith’s publication record reveals a strong focus on coral-algal interactions, nutrient dynamics, invasive seaweeds, and ecosystem-scale analyses. Her work spans tropical regions including Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, contributing to global understanding of reef resilience. She mentors graduate students and collaborates widely across marine science disciplines. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Smith advises graduate students such as Orion McCarthy and Morgan Winston. Her lab conducts long-term monitoring supported by institutional and likely federal funding, though specific grants are not listed. She leads field campaigns in Hawaii and publishes in high-impact journals. Labs and Teams: The Smith Lab is actively engaged in coral reef research, focusing on resilience, restoration, and human impacts. The team includes researchers and volunteers who conduct field surveys, analyze imagery, and produce outreach materials such as the 'Underwater Gardens' film.

• Marine Ecology
• Coral Reef Conservation
• Benthic Ecosystems
• +12 more

Oswald J. Schmitz is the Oastler Professor of Population and Community Ecology at the Yale University School of the Environment. His research bridges biodiversity and ecosystem services, focusing on species interactions, climate change impacts, and conservation strategies. He employs field experiments and mathematical models to study predator-herbivore-plant dynamics, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. Education: B.Sc., M.Sc., University of Guelph Ph.D., University of Michigan Research areas include: Trophic rewilding for climate solutions Human-wildlife conflict dynamics Meta-ecosystem nutrient flows Animal-driven carbon cycle modifications Context-dependent conservation strategies His 2024 Bormann Prize-winning work on calving impacts in nutrient cycles and other recent publications highlight innovative ecosystem science. Schmitz mentors students like Kristy Ferraro and collaborates with alumni such as Rob Buchkowski and Julia Monk. He teaches three conservation-focused courses with an emphasis on quantitative skills and real-world applications.

• Biodiversity
• Ecosystem Services
• Species Interactions
• +7 more

Dr. Rachel Penczykowski is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Washington University studying disease ecology in changing environments. Her NSF CAREER Award supports research on urban plant pathogens, particularly powdery mildew epidemics in urban heat islands. Combining field observations, lab experiments, and mathematical modeling, she examines how climate, biodiversity loss, and urbanization reshape host-parasite interactions. Her work spans diverse ecosystems—from aquatic Daphnia-parasite systems to terrestrial plant-pathogen networks—revealing how predators, resources, and microclimates indirectly modulate disease spread. Current projects investigate warming impacts on fungal virulence and host resistance evolution in St. Louis-area plant populations. Dr. Penczykowski leads outreach through the PlantSTEM program, engaging K-12 students in pathogen research. She mentors high schoolers via Tyson Research Center apprenticeships and teaches Disease Ecology, integrating modeling with empirical approaches. Her lab collaborates with the Taylor Geospatial Institute to map urban microclimate-disease linkages.

• Disease Ecology
• Host-Parasite Coevolution
• Plant Pathology
• +2 more

Dr. Albert Ruhi is Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC Berkeley. His research examines freshwater ecosystem responses to global change, with focus on hydrologic alteration and drought impacts across river networks. The Ruhi Lab integrates field experiments, time-series analysis, and hydrologic modeling to understand metacommunity dynamics and ecosystem resilience. Educational background: PhD in Ecology, University of Girona BS in Biology, University of Girona Research explores: Drought impacts on aquatic communities Climate change effects on stream metabolism Wetland restoration outcomes Metacommunity recovery pathways Ecohydrological feedbacks Recent publications address: Phenological shifts in estuarine food webs Flow alteration cascades in river networks Beaver-mediated drought resilience Groundwater-riparian interactions Awards and honors: NSF CAREER Award (2021) California Sea Grant Award (2021) Hellman Fellowship (2020) Winkler Scholar (2023) Research group includes 7 graduate students and postdocs studying: Urban river restoration Tidal marsh food webs Alpine stream thermal regimes Vernal pool seedbanks Field sites span Sierra Nevada streams, San Francisco Bay wetlands, and Mediterranean rivers.

• Freshwater ecology
• Metacommunity dynamics
• Hydrologic alteration impacts
• +3 more

Joseph Bailey is a Professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly how species interactions link genes to ecosystems, natural selection in community contexts, and scaling genetic processes across geographic and molecular resolutions. He holds a Ph.D. from Northern Arizona University (2003). Education: 2003 – Ph.D., Northern Arizona University Research interests include plant-animal interactions, evolutionary ecology, and the genetic underpinnings of community dynamics. His work integrates molecular, ecological, and evolutionary approaches across diverse systems, including native and invasive species interactions. He has published extensively on topics such as genetic structure of foundation species, plant-microbe interactions, and herbivore-induced ecosystem changes. Lab and Affiliations: His research group operates out of the Joseph Bailey Lab ( http://joebaileylab.com/ ). Publications reflect a focus on community genetics, indirect ecological interactions, and the genetic basis of species interactions.

• Plant-animal interactions
• Evolutionary ecology
• Ecology
• +2 more

Zackary Johnson , the Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography and Marine Biotechnology at Duke University, leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of marine microbiology and biogeochemical innovation. Affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment and based at the Duke Marine Laboratory , his work spans microbial ecology, algal biotechnology, and climate mitigation strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science (Duke University, 2004), B.S. in Biology (MIT, 1994) Research Interests focus on marine microbial communities, particularly the model phytoplankton Prochlorococcus , algal cultivation for sustainable bioproducts, and the ecological impacts of ocean acidification. His lab investigates microbial interactions across diverse environments—from coastal estuaries to open-ocean gyres—and develops technologies for carbon-negative aquaculture systems. Publications highlight expertise in microbial biogeography, algal biofuels, and climate-resilient marine food webs. Recent work explores drone-based ocean color sensing, Gulf Stream eddy microbiomes, and the role of Labyrinthulomycetes protists in carbon export. Scientific Awards: Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professorship DOE and NSF-funded projects Grants include high-profile initiatives like the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) and REU Site program for coastal research training. His lab maintains a dedicated research site for studying microbial dynamics and sustainable algal cultivation.

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Biological Oceanography
• Algal Biotechnology
• +4 more

Anya L. Brown is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis, based at the Bodega Marine Lab. Her research focuses on the community ecology of marine systems, particularly coral reefs, investigating how host-associated microbes and trait variation influence species resilience to stress, ecological interactions, and adaptive plasticity. Education: B.S. (Brown University, 2009), M.S. in Biology (California State University, Northridge, 2012), Ph.D. in Ecology (University of Georgia, 2018). Postdoctoral Experience: Ewel Postdoctoral Fellow in Tropical Ecology (University of Florida, 2018-2020); Postdoctoral Scholar in Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 2020-2022). Her recent publications highlight microbial dynamics in coral reefs, antibiotic effects on reef microbiomes, and trait-mediated interactions. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining molecular tools with observational and experimental studies. The Brown Lab actively engages students in cross-system marine research, prioritizing inclusivity in scientific communities. Key trends in her work include understanding microbial responses to environmental stressors, coral disease mechanisms, and the role of extended phenotypes in reef ecology. These studies span tropical and temperate marine ecosystems, with implications for conservation and restoration. Scientific Awards: Hellman Fellowship 2024-25 Ewel Postdoctoral Fellowship in Tropical Ecology Dr. Brown's lab fosters research across coral reefs and local coastal systems, integrating ecological and microbial perspectives. She advocates for inclusive teaching and research practices while advancing microbial ecology frameworks in marine conservation.

• Community Ecology
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• +4 more

Zsofia Szendrei is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her work spans teaching (10%), research (40%), and extension (50%), focusing on vegetable production entomology. She leads the Szendrei Lab, which explores chemical ecology, biological control, and sustainable pest management. Her research emphasizes reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides through integrated approaches like habitat manipulation and molecular detection of trophic interactions. She collaborates closely with growers and extension educators to implement practical solutions for vegetable pest challenges. Education: M.Sc. in Horticulture (Hungary, 2001), Ph.D. in Entomology (MSU, 2005). Professional roles include Co-Editor-in-Chief of American Entomologist (2021–present) and leadership in MSU's Extension programs. She prioritizes student mentorship, fostering creativity and hands-on research in a collaborative lab environment. Key research themes include agroecology, pest-behavioral interactions, and pollinator conservation. Her extension efforts target reducing insecticide use while maintaining crop profitability. Recent work investigates heatwave impacts on crop-pest dynamics and pollinator protection. She has authored/co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on topics like cover crops, pathogen management, and invasive species. Her lab’s findings inform both academic discourse and real-world agricultural practices.

• Vegetable Entomology
• Chemical Ecology
• Biological Control
• +3 more

David Buchwalter is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University (NCSU). His research focuses on contaminants and abiotic stressors in freshwater environments, with particular emphasis on aquatic insects' physiological responses. He leads the Buchwalter Lab, studying ecological physiology and toxicology in aquatic invertebrates, linking biological organization levels to understand human impacts on aquatic life. Research interests include trace metal bioaccumulation, thermal stress, osmoregulation, and PFAS effects. His work integrates comparative physiology, ecotoxicology, and environmental monitoring. Key projects involve the NCSU Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS and Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE). Awards: 2015 Fulbright Senior Scholar (University of Otago, New Zealand). Advising includes students like Dr. Jamie Cochran and Dr. Sara Orr. Collaborative grants include NSF-funded studies on thermal physiology and ion transport in freshwater ecosystems. The lab emphasizes experimental approaches to understand stressor impacts across physiological and ecological scales. Lab affiliations: Biological Sciences; Affiliated with Toxicology & Environmental Health Sciences, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, and Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology programs.

• Freshwater Ecology
• Aquatic Toxicology
• Environmental Contaminants
• +3 more

Bryan Watts is the Director of the Center for Conservation Biology and holds the Mitchell A. Byrd Research Professorship in Conservation Biology at William & Mary. He has a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech, an M.A. in Biology from William & Mary, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Georgia. His research focuses on avian conservation, wetland ecosystems, and the impacts of environmental changes on bird populations, particularly in coastal regions. He leads long-term monitoring programs for species like ospreys, red knots, and black rails, emphasizing habitat conservation and population dynamics. His work integrates citizen science, toxicology assessments, and climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable species. Watts collaborates with federal agencies and NGOs to inform policy decisions and habitat management. His projects include the Virginia Marshbird Survey, Whimbrel migration tracking, and assessments of contaminants in apex predators like peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Key areas of focus include the demographic responses of birds to fluctuating fish stocks, the effects of human activity on nocturnal roosting behaviors, and the development of conservation strategies for coastal wetlands under climate change. His research outputs span over three decades, addressing both applied and theoretical questions in conservation biology. Watts also advises on wildlife management policies, such as landfill use by bald eagles and wind energy siting to minimize bird collisions.

• Conservation Biology
• Avian Ecology
• Coastal Ecosystems
• +3 more

Castilleja Olmsted serves as a Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, with office location in A259 Langley Hall (5th & Ruskin Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260). Her research focuses on ecological dynamics in forest ecosystems, particularly examining interactions between disturbances, wildlife, and plant communities. Contact is facilitated through her institutional email cfo7@pitt.edu. Her primary research interests span Ecology , Evolutionary Biology , and Forest Ecology , with specialized expertise in Wildlife Management and Biodiversity Conservation . Key investigations include disturbance legacies from fire and herbivory, cryptic biodiversity reservoirs, and non-trophic ecosystem engineering by large mammals. She integrates field studies with theoretical frameworks to address conservation challenges in changing landscapes. Recent publications (2019-2025) reveal a cohesive research trajectory centered on disturbance ecology and species interactions. Her work consistently examines how multiple stressors—such as fire, canopy gaps, and ungulate herbivory—reshape forest composition and regeneration. Notable contributions include demonstrating moose's ecosystem engineering roles and nematode-mediated plant competition dynamics, while practical outputs like her graduate school guide and field safety manual highlight commitment to academic community building. Dr. Olmsted actively mentors students in ecology and evolutionary biology, evidenced by her publication advising on graduate applications. Her fieldwork-driven approach necessitates robust safety protocols reflected in her manual, though specific grant details remain undisclosed in available materials. Current research directions suggest expanding investigations into multi-disturbance legacies and cryptic biodiversity mechanisms.

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Forest Ecology
• +4 more

Pankaj Mehta is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Boston University, with additional affiliations in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. His research bridges statistical physics, theoretical biology, and interdisciplinary systems approaches. Key areas include ecological dynamics, synthetic biology, and the application of machine learning principles to biological systems. His work focuses on understanding emergent phenomena in biological systems, such as cell fate decisions, ecosystem stability, and signal processing in cellular networks. He has pioneered methods combining physics-based modeling with computational tools to study complex systems, including gene circuits, microbial communities, and cancer dynamics. Recent contributions highlight the use of order parameters for interpreting cellular states, geometric frameworks for ecological niches, and machine learning analogies to ecological principles. His interdisciplinary approach integrates experimental data with theoretical models to address questions in biomedicine, environmental science, and fundamental physics.

• Statistical Physics
• Systems Biology
• Ecological Dynamics
• +3 more

Mark Hebblewhite is a Professor in Ungulate Ecology at the Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana. His research integrates ecological theory with applied wildlife management, focusing on species like elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. Institution: University of Montana Academic Rank: Professor Research Interests span: Wildlife-habitat interactions Predator-prey dynamics Conservation of endangered species Remote sensing for forest and wildlife monitoring Climate change impacts on ecosystems Recent Publications emphasize: Multi-scale movement ecology Remote sensing integration for forest inventory Anthropogenic effects on wildlife behavior Fire ecology and post-disturbance recovery LiDAR and satellite-based vegetation mapping Collaborations include researchers from the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Colorado State University, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

• Ungulate Ecology
• Wildlife Biology
• Habitat Selection
• +5 more

Cindy Lee Van Dover is a deep-sea biologist and the Harvey W Smith Distinguished Professor of Biological Oceanography at Duke University. She serves as Chair of Duke's Division of Marine Science and Conservation and Director of the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C. Her research focuses on chemosynthetic ecosystems, biodiversity, and deep-sea policy frameworks. Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (1989) M.A. in Ecology, UCLA (1985) B.S. in Biological Oceanography, Rutgers University (1977) Van Dover's work spans deep-sea ecology, hydrothermal vent biodiversity, and environmental policy. She investigates gene flow in vent invertebrates, ecological impacts of deep-sea mining, and conservation strategies for chemosynthetic ecosystems. Her research integrates field programs using submersibles and telepresence technologies to study vent connectivity and microbial roles in extreme environments. Her scientific leadership includes 80+ peer-reviewed publications and roles as Chief Scientist in NSF- and NOAA-sponsored expeditions. She pioneered studies on geothermal light at vents and deep-sea symbiosis, with recent work on dual symbiotic relationships in vent snails and methane seep ecology. Virginia Outstanding Scientist (2006) Fulbright Scholar (France 2004) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science Mines Medal for Leadership and Innovation NSF Career Awardee Van Dover's grants include NSF EAGER funding for deep-submergence science leadership and Pew Charitable Trusts' support for deep-sea mining impact assessments. She leads interdisciplinary initiatives like Science and Art at the Moment of Discovery , integrating artists into marine research expeditions. Her outreach includes authoring two books: Deep-Ocean Journeys for public audiences and The Ecology of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents as the first textbook in the field. Her work has been featured in Science News , Discover Magazine , and National Public Radio .

• Chemosynthetic Ecosystems
• Deep-Sea Ecology
• Marine Conservation
• +4 more