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Courtney J. RobinsonView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Host-Microbiota Interactions
• Environmental Microbiology
• +3 more

Professor Courtney J. Robinson serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology within Howard University's College of Arts & Sciences. Her research integrates microbial ecology with host-microbiota interactions using innovative insect model systems, particularly the cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae), to investigate fundamental ecological concepts and disease mechanisms. Education: B.S. in Microbiology, Xavier University of Louisiana (2000) Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008) Research Focus: Dr. Robinson's work centers on Microbial Ecology and Host-Microbiota Interactions , examining how diet, host development, and environmental perturbations shape microbial communities. Her lab employs molecular biology techniques to study community responses to invasion, microbiota structure in disease susceptibility, and vector-microbe-pathogen relationships in disease transmission systems. Recent projects include soil microbiome analysis at New York's African Burial Ground and Senegalese dust microbiota characterization. Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent publications (2009-2023) reveal an evolving trajectory from foundational work on insect gut microbiomes (2009-2013) toward advanced genomic analyses of bacteriophages (2021-2023). Current research emphasizes environmental microbiome applications in radioactive waste sites (Hanford) and mycobacteriophage genomics, while maintaining core interests in host-microbe ecology and health disparities. Scientific Recognition: NSF, Howard University Science Teacher Certification Program (Co-PI, 2014-2019) NIH-NIDDK Research Supplement (2008) University of Wisconsin Advanced Opportunity Fellowship (2007) Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship (2006) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Teaching Fellowship (2003, 2004, 2006) NIH Biotechnology Training Fellowship (2001) Mentorship and Funding: Dr. Robinson actively mentors graduate students including Ingrid Harris and Leslie McKinnon. She directs the HHMI-funded PHAGES course, providing course-based undergraduate research experiences in bacteriophage genomics. Her funded projects span international collaborations with Ethiopia's University of Addis Ababa and Penn State University, addressing microbial diversity in disease vectors and Sahelian dust systems. Laboratory Operations: The Robinson Lab operates from Ernest E. Just Hall (Room 239) at Howard University, maintaining partnerships with the Montague Cobb Research Lab and international institutions. Current research integrates soil microbiome analysis, insect vector studies, and phage genomics through both independent projects and large-scale collaborative initiatives.

Jadelys TonosView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mutualisms
• Frugivory and Seed Dispersal
• Tropical Ecology
• +6 more

Jadelys Tonos is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University, where she has been faculty since 2024. Her research program focuses on mutualistic interactions in ecological systems, particularly examining how human-driven environmental change impacts these critical relationships. Dr. Tonos' primary research interests center on plant-animal mutualisms with specific emphasis on frugivory and seed dispersal dynamics. Her work integrates field studies in tropical ecosystems (particularly Madagascar), data science approaches, and conservation applications. Current projects investigate lemur-mediated seed dispersal networks, impacts of habitat fragmentation on mutualism structure, and climate change effects on plant-frugivore phenological synchrony. Her lab employs innovative methodologies including agent-based modeling of animal movement and genetic techniques for interaction network analysis. Her recent publications reveal strong thematic consistency in tropical ecology and conservation, with significant focus on Madagascar's unique ecosystems. The research demonstrates sophisticated integration of movement ecology, network theory, and anthropogenic impact assessment. Key trends include methodological innovation in studying elusive interactions, emphasis on keystone species dynamics, and direct application to restoration ecology. Recipient of CSU Black Success Initiative grant funding field research in Madagascar Active recruitment of diverse graduate and undergraduate researchers Focus on mentoring underrepresented students in ecology Dr. Tonos leads the Tonos Lab which conducts field research in Ranomafana National Park (Madagascar) and California ecosystems. The lab emphasizes inclusive team science with diverse membership and maintains strong international collaborations with Malagasy researchers. Current projects include assessment of understudied pollinators, genetic sampling of plant-frugivore networks, and analysis of invasive species impacts on native mutualisms.

Jonathan GreenView profile

Associate Professor

• Animal Genetics
• Reproductive Biology
• Placental Development
• +3 more

Jonathan Green is an Associate Professor in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri, affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. His research focuses on reproductive biology, placental development, and gene editing applications in livestock. He leads projects in genomic sequencing (e.g., the rt2t consortium) and CRISPR-based interventions targeting embryonic viability and disease resistance. Education: Ph.D. in Animal Sciences Research interests include optimizing in vitro embryo models, understanding ruminant placental evolution, and improving agricultural productivity through genetic advancements. His work bridges genomics with practical applications in animal agriculture. Publications highlight advancements in CRISPR applications for livestock, placental biology, and biomarker development for early pregnancy diagnosis. Collaborations span international efforts in genome annotation and reproductive health. Grants and advising: While specific grants are not listed, his extensive publication record indicates active research funding. No formal advisees are listed in the text. His lab collaborates on projects like AgAnimalGenomes, enhancing genomic resources for farm animals. Future work aims to refine gene editing techniques and improve understanding of epigenetic influences in reproduction.

Jason DufourView profile

Associate Professor

• Infectious Disease Research
• Virology
• Immunology
• +4 more

Jason Dufour, DVM, DACLAM, is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Assistant Director for Clinical and Research Medicine at the Tulane National Primate Research Center. He holds a BS and DVM from Louisiana State University. His research focuses on infectious diseases (including SIV and COVID-19), gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and gene therapy applications in non-human primate models. His work spans virology, immunology, and veterinary medicine, with significant contributions to vaccine development, viral pathogenesis, and translational medicine. Key research interests include: Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) pathogenesis COVID-19 vaccine adjuvants and efficacy Gluten-induced enteropathy in macaques Gene therapy for genetic disorders Alcohol's impact on immune responses Publications highlight advancements in viral transmission blocking (e.g., CCR5 inhibitors), vaccine efficacy, and understanding disease mechanisms in non-human primate models. His clinical work includes managing primate health and surgical interventions for conditions like degenerative joint disease and vascular complications. Dr. Dufour collaborates on NIH-funded studies and has pioneered translational research linking basic science to clinical applications. His expertise bridges veterinary medicine, immunology, and infectious disease research, making significant contributions to biomedical science.

Nicholas ManessView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Immunology
• Infectious Disease Research
• +5 more

Nicholas Maness, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University, where he also serves as Director of the Virus Characterization, Isolation, and Production Core (VCIPS). His research focuses on understanding immune mechanisms of viral control using animal models of human pathogens such as HIV, SIV, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2. He holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His laboratory employs molecular and immunological approaches (flow cytometry, RNA-seq, viral sequencing) to study host-virus interactions, viral replication, and immune evasion. The VCIPS core under his direction provides centralized virological services, including live virus handling (BSL-2/3) and next-generation sequencing for Tulane and external collaborators. Key research areas include HIV/SIV pathogenesis, SARS-CoV-2 variants, emerging viruses, and vaccine/therapeutic development. Maness's work has advanced understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in nonhuman primate models, including long-COVID mechanisms, coinfection dynamics with HIV/SIV, and the role of immune modulators like complement pathways. His contributions span over 80 publications, emphasizing translational research to combat viral diseases.

Keith ClayView profile

Professor

• Community Ecology
• Plant Ecology
• Symbiosis
• +1 more

Keith Clay is Professor and Chair of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from Duke University (1982) and previously served as Professor at Indiana University (1996-2018). Research explores plant-microbe interactions, disease ecology, and invasive species, with projects spanning coastal restoration, forest demographics, and wildlife microbiology. Publications address ecological resilience, microbial community dynamics, and genomic adaptations in invasive plants. Field studies occur in diverse ecosystems from Brazilian tapir habitats to North American forests. AAAS Fellow (2005) MacArthur Fellows Program Nominator (1999) NSF Graduate Fellowship (1978-1981) Administrative roles include Director of Indiana University's Research and Teaching Preserve (2002-2014). Research integrates molecular tools with landscape-scale experiments to address biodiversity conservation.

Claudia HerreraView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chagas Disease
• Trypanosoma cruzi
• Parasite Ecology
• +1 more

Claudia Herrera is Assistant Professor of Tropical Medicine at Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Her research focuses on Chagas disease ecology, diagnosis, and prevention, with fieldwork in Latin America and the southern United States. She investigates Trypanosoma cruzi transmission dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, and community-based health interventions. Research priorities include: Epidemiology of Chagas disease in humans and animal reservoirs Development of novel diagnostic approaches Impact of maternal infection on fetal development Vaccine development and evaluation Community engagement in neglected tropical disease control Herrera's recent work includes comprehensive reviews of diagnostic challenges, studies of parasite genetics in zoonotic hosts, and investigations into immune responses to experimental vaccines. Her community-based screening programs address health disparities in Latin American populations in the southern U.S.

Valerian DoljaView profile

Professor

• Virus Diversity
• Virus Evolution
• Plant Cell Biology
• +3 more

Valerian Dolja is a Full Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University, where he has served since 1994. His research focuses on virus diversity, evolution, and plant virology, with notable contributions to understanding viral movement mechanisms and host interactions. He holds a PhD and DSc from Moscow State University (1980, 1987) and has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles. Education: PhD and DSc in Virology from Moscow State University. Professional Affiliations include editorial roles at Journal of Virology , Biology Direct , and Frontiers in Plant Science . Research Interests: Virus evolution, comparative genomics, plant RNA virology, and functional genomics. His work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics to explore viral origins and host-pathogen dynamics. Recent Articles Highlight Trends in Virome Evolution, Bacteriophage Diversity, and Plant Virus Movement Mechanisms. Key Findings Include the Role of Myosins in Plant Cell Transport and the Origin of Viral Capsids. Awards: Fellow of AAAS (2014), Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology (2013), Ruth Allen Award (2011), and multiple international recognitions for innovative research.

• Immunology
• Virology
• Antimicrobial Peptides
• +5 more

Prof. Peter Barlow is a Chair of Immunology and Infection at the School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University. He leads the Centre for Biomedicine & Global Health, focusing on host defence peptides (HDP) and their role in antiviral immunity, particularly against influenza, rhinovirus, and dengue virus. His work explores HDP's therapeutic potential for infections and inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s and IBD. He has secured over £4M in research grants, including from the MRC and CSO, and led projects on HDP-based therapeutics. Prof. Barlow has authored 120+ peer-reviewed articles and serves on editorial boards and funding panels, including the Chief Scientist Office Clinical Academic Fellowship panel. He is a media spokesperson for the British Society for Immunology and has engaged with global media on science communication. Education: BSc (Hons) and PhD from Edinburgh Napier University. Career highlights include research at the CDC (2009-2011) on pandemic influenza and leadership roles in Edinburgh Napier's research strategy, tripling external funding during his tenure as Director of Research (2015-2021). External roles include Scientific Advisor to the Food Standards Agency and membership in Edinburgh Infectious Diseases. His collaborative network spans institutions like Stanford University and the CDC. Research interests span HDP biology, autophagy modulation in drug responses, and nanomaterial interactions with immunity. His lab investigates novel peptide-based therapies and the role of environmental pollutants in immune dysfunction. He supervises PhD students on topics ranging from nanocellulose-HDP conjugates to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in drinking water. Key awards: FHEA (Fellow of Higher Education Academy), FRSB (Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology). His work has been featured in over 50 media outlets, including BBC, Sky News, and international newspapers. He also contributes to public engagement through The Conversation and BBC Media Fellowships.

Vishwanatha ReddyView profile

Lecturer

• Avian Virology
• Poultry Disease Pathogenesis
• Vaccine Development
• +3 more

Dr. Vishwanatha Reddy is a Lecturer in Bioveterinary Science at the School of Life Sciences, Keele University. His research focuses on poultry viruses, particularly the molecular biology and pathogenesis of avian coronaviruses (IBV), herpesviruses (ILTV, HVT, MDV), and birnaviruses (IBDV). He aims to design vaccines against immunosuppressive poultry viruses by studying cell destruction pathways and immunosuppression mechanisms. Dr. Reddy holds a DVM degree from Bangalore Veterinary College (2007), a master's in Biochemistry (via Indian Veterinary Research Institute), and a PhD from Ghent University under Prof. Hans Nauwynck. He has conducted postdoctoral research at The Pirbright Institute, earning a 2023 Strategic Career Development Award for IBDV research. His work emphasizes vectored vaccines using avian herpesviruses and understanding zoonotic pathogen interactions. Education: Bachelor's in Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Bangalore Veterinary College, India (2007) Master's in Biochemistry, supported by Indian Veterinary Research Institute PhD in Avian Virology, Ghent University, Belgium (2016) Research Interests: Avian viral pathogenesis, vaccine development, immunosuppressive mechanisms, and molecular biology of poultry viruses. Key focus areas include IBDV cell destruction pathways, HVT/ILTV-based vector vaccines, and zoonotic secondary infections. Awards: 2023 Pirbright Strategic Career Development Award Advising & Grants: Active in supervising research projects on avian viruses. Collaborations include work at The Pirbright Institute under Prof. Venugopal Nair and Dr. Yongxiu Yao. Labs/Teams: Part of the School of Life Sciences at Keele, with affiliations to The Pirbright Institute's virology programs.

Maxine WhittakerView profile

Professor

• One Health
• Public Health Systems
• Infectious Disease Control
• +5 more

Maxine Whittaker is a Professor and Dean of the College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences at James Cook University (JCU), Australia. She holds dual roles as Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Co-Chair of the WHO Research Project Review Panel (RP2) on Reproductive Health. Her affiliations include JCU, the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee, and the Quadripartite One Health High-Level Expert Advisory Panel. She previously served as Dean at JCU (2016–2021) and held leadership positions in global health initiatives such as the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network. Whittaker holds advanced qualifications: MBBS, MPH, PhD, FAFPHM (Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine), and GAICD (Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors). Her career spans over two decades of fieldwork in Bangladesh, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, and 10+ other countries. She specializes in operational research, health systems strengthening, and medical anthropology, focusing on One Health, sexual and reproductive health, and community-based interventions. Her research interests emphasize scaling-up pilot programs into policy, particularly through Expandnet’s WHO-published frameworks. She has pioneered studies on community engagement in disease control (dengue, malaria, lymphatic filariasis) and led projects worth over $80M AUD. Whittaker advocates for integrating social sciences into malaria research and has championed digital health transformation, publishing on workforce capacity and data democratization. Her leadership extends to global platforms: steering committee roles for the Global Fund’s Regional Artemisinin-Resistance Initiative, the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security, and the CSIRO Pandemic Preparedness Mission. She also mentors women scientists in tropical health through initiatives like Catalyse and the ASTMH Global Health Committee. Whittaker’s awards include the Royal Australasian College of Physicians International Medal (2017). She is a co-editor of the Malaria Journal and serves on editorial boards for CABI One Health Resources and Public Health Action . Her work bridges clinical practice, policy, and community participation, with recent focus on pandemic preparedness and health equity in Australia’s remote regions.

Jonathan PerreaultView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• RNA Biology
• +5 more

Jonathan Perreault is an Associate Professor and holder of the Chair in Nanobiophotonics at the Armand-Frappier Health Biotechnology Center, National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS). His research focuses on understanding RNA's role in gene regulation, particularly in bacteria, including riboswitches, small RNAs, and their applications in biosensors and environmental biotechnology. He holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biology/Biochemistry from Université de Sherbrooke and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University. His research interests include microbiology, biochemistry, and RNA biology, with a focus on non-coding RNAs' regulatory roles in bacterial processes such as motility and biofilm formation. His team uses bioinformatics, molecular biology, and biophysics to discover novel RNAs and study their functions in environmental and pathogenic contexts. Publications highlight advancements in RNA structure-function relationships, metagenomic approaches to RNA discovery, and applications in wastewater treatment and viral expression strategies. His work bridges fundamental RNA biology with practical applications in biotechnology and environmental science. Dr. Perreault’s lab collaborates on projects involving RNA-based biosensors and environmental microbiology. His expertise spans from bench science to computational tools for RNA analysis, contributing to both academic and applied research outcomes.

• Health Technology Management
• Enterprise and Innovation
• Public Engagement in Health Research
• +3 more

G. Davies is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department at the Swansea University School of Management , specializing in health technology management and enterprise innovation. He has held leadership roles including Head of Accelerate: Health Technology Centre at Life Sciences Hub Wales (2018-2019) and Senior Project Manager for Enterprise & Innovation at Swansea University Medical School (2012-2017). Current role since 2015 Key projects: AgorIP (£13m), Accelerate: Health Tech (£7m) Davies leads research at the intersection of healthcare innovation and business management , with 15 recent publications focusing on: Immunometabolic changes during pregnancy Macrophage behavior in surgical mesh integration Neonatal sepsis biomarker development Metabolic regulation of inflammatory responses Prostaglandin signaling in gut inflammation Public engagement highlights include: Keynote at UKSPA Conference (2016) UK-China Business Collaboration (2017) Chair at Digital Health Ecosystem Launch (2018)

Bàrbara BaroView profile

Academic

• Infectious Diseases
• Malaria Research
• Biomarker Discovery
• +3 more

Bàrbara Baro is an Assistant Research Professor at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), focusing on severe infections and global health. She completed her Biotechnology degree at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2007) and earned her PhD in Biomedicine from Universitat de Barcelona (2013), studying mitotic regulation under Dr. Ethel Queralt. Her postdoctoral work included malaria vivax research in Brazil (FAPEAM fellowship), Plasmodium falciparum studies at Stanford University, and fieldwork in Papua New Guinea as a Beatriu de Pinós fellow. During the pandemic, she contributed to SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology and diagnostics research in Barcelona hospitals. Her research integrates molecular mechanisms of severe infections, biomarker discovery, and diagnostic tool development. Key projects include malaria transmission dynamics in Lihir Islands, immune/endothelial biomarker validation for COVID-19 prognosis, and host-parasite interaction studies. She leads a team developing point-of-care diagnostics and strategies to reduce infection-related mortality. Rewarded Fellowships: Beatriu de Pinós, FPU, FAPEAM, Stanford Child Health Collaborative Work: PNG Institute of Medical Research, Stanford University, Barcelona hospitals Her work spans 20+ peer-reviewed articles in journals like Frontiers in Immunology , PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases , and Blood . Current initiatives focus on translational research to improve global health outcomes through innovative diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.

Jeffrey BaraView profile

Associate Professor

• Medical Entomology
• Opportunistic Pathogens
• Experimental Evolution
• +3 more

Jeffrey Bara is an Associate Professor of Biology at Shenandoah University, located in the Department of Biology within the Arts & Sciences school. His research focuses on medical entomology, opportunistic pathogens, experimental evolution, and RNA viruses. He holds a B.S. from Western Illinois University and a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville. Bara's research interests center on vector-borne diseases, particularly the ecology of mosquitoes and their interactions with pathogens like dengue, La Crosse, and Sindbis viruses. He investigates microbiota dynamics in insect vectors, viral interference mechanisms, and the impact of environmental factors such as habitat type and invasive species on disease transmission. His recent publications (2014–2018) emphasize mosquito-borne virus interactions, microbial ecology in vectors, and the effects of environmental pollutants on insect physiology. These studies contribute to understanding viral transmission dynamics and ecological drivers of disease emergence. Bara has not listed any scientific awards in the provided information. His advising and grants sections remain unspecified, and he is not affiliated with any named labs or research teams in the text.