Find Academic Supervisors

Corrie MoreauView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Patterns and Processes
• Organismal Biology
• Plant-animal Interactions
• +13 more

Corrie Moreau is the Martha N. & John C. Moser Professor of Arthropod Biosystematics and Biodiversity at Cornell University, serving as Director & Curator of the Cornell University Insect Collection. She holds affiliations with the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on symbiotic factors driving speciation, adaptation, and diversification in insects, particularly ants. Moreau’s work integrates molecular methods, next-generation sequencing, and field-based research to study biodiversity across scales. Education: Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (2007), M.Sc. in Biology from San Francisco State University/California Academy of Sciences (2003), B.S. in Biology from San Francisco State University (2000). Research Interests: Evolutionary patterns/processes, organismal biology, plant-animal interactions, chemical ecology, sustainability, and microbiome dynamics. Her lab (Moreau Lab) investigates ant-microbe symbioses, host-microbe interactions, and the role of symbioses in macroevolutionary processes. Recent work includes studies on ant phylogenetics, gut microbiome evolution, and the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding ant evolution, microbial symbiosis, and biogeography. Grants include NSF-funded projects on ant genomics and symbiosis. She advocates for natural history collections and their role in biodiversity research and education.

Wolfgang WüsterView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Snake Systematics
• Venom Toxicology
• +5 more

Professor Wolfgang Wüster is a Professor in Zoology (Molecular Ecology) at Bangor University's School of Environmental and Natural Sciences. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, snake systematics, and venom toxicology, using snakes as model systems. He teaches courses in zoology and herpetology, including Arizona fieldwork and advanced herpetology modules. Education: PhD in Systematics of Asian cobras from the University of Aberdeen (1990). His research interests include the evolution of venom composition, species delimitation in snake complexes, warning signals, biogeography, and conservation genomics. He supervises postgraduate students in topics like European viper conservation and snake systematics. Recent publications highlight his work on snake venoms, taxonomy, and the impacts of climate change on reptile species. He collaborates globally, contributing to antivenom efficacy studies and venom evolution research. Professor Wüster has been involved in projects such as genomic studies of adders and the phylogeography of vipers. His work bridges molecular ecology with conservation, emphasizing practical applications in biodiversity preservation.

• Venom Research
• Toxinology
• Biomedical Research
• +3 more

Dr. Holger Scheib is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of the Environment at The University of Queensland. His research focuses on venom evolution, toxinology, and biomedical applications, particularly in reptiles, cnidarians, and other venomous organisms. He collaborates extensively with international researchers on projects involving venom structure-function relationships, evolutionary biology, and clinical implications of venom variation. Research interests span venom evolution, toxin structure and function, and their applications in biomedical contexts. He investigates venom diversity across species, including reptiles, sea anemones, and cnidarians, focusing on how these toxins interact with biological systems. His work also explores the intersection of venom components with allergens and their structural similarities, contributing to a deeper understanding of venom’s ecological and medical significance. His recent publications highlight advancements in understanding venom evolution, toxin structures, and clinical implications. Studies include comparisons of venom proteins with allergens, analyses of venom variation in rattlesnakes, and investigations into the molecular mechanisms of bacterial secretion systems. These works contribute to both basic biological research and potential applications in medicine and biodiscovery. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Scheib’s research is primarily conducted through collaborations within the School of the Environment and international academic networks. No specific lab or team affiliations are detailed.

Greta BinfordView profile

Professor

• Arachnology
• Spider Venoms
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Greta Binford is a Professor of Biology at Lewis & Clark College, where she conducts pioneering research on spider biodiversity and venom evolution. Her work focuses on the biochemical and evolutionary mechanisms underlying spider venoms, particularly in brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles) and their relatives (Sicarius), with significant contributions to understanding dermonecrotic toxin distribution. She teaches specialized courses including Arachnology/Biodiversity, Invertebrate Zoology, and Evolution, integrating biodiversity themes across her curriculum and public outreach initiatives. Binford's research program employs integrative approaches spanning field collection, protein biochemistry, and molecular genetics to investigate venom evolution. She has demonstrated the shared evolutionary origin of sphingomyelinase D toxins in Loxosceles and Sicarius spiders, providing critical insights for medical applications. Her work bridges biodiversity science with toxinology, emphasizing how ecological pressures shape venom complexity and function across spider lineages. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2023) reveals concentrated research on Caribbean spider biogeography and molecular mechanisms of phospholipase D toxins. Key themes include enzyme specificity determinants, structural stabilization of venom proteins, and evolutionary patterns of island endemism. Her work frequently combines taxonomic discovery with biochemical analysis, exemplified by studies on Micrathena orb-weavers and Antillattus jumping spiders. Binford actively mentors undergraduate researchers through hands-on laboratory and fieldwork, securing substantial funding including an NSF CAREER award (2006) for 'Venom Evolution in Sicariid Spiders', a collaborative Caribbean biogeography grant (2011), and a recent HDR DSC grant (2021) building data science capacity through biodiversity research. Her grants consistently emphasize undergraduate training and interdisciplinary collaboration. She leads a dynamic research laboratory at Lewis & Clark College where students participate in all stages of venom research, from specimen collection to molecular analysis. Her team maintains international collaborations focused on Caribbean arachnid biodiversity and contributes to public education about spider biology, emphasizing their ecological importance and dispelling common misconceptions.

Martin TaylorView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Genetics
• +4 more

Dr. Martin Taylor is an Associate Professor in Molecular Ecology at the University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences. He has held academic positions since 2013, including Senior Lecturer roles at Bangor University and postdoctoral research experience in Belgium. His primary research focuses on molecular ecology, evolution, and conservation of marine and freshwater fishes, with an emphasis on genetic methods like microsatellite markers and next-generation sequencing. Key interests include polyploidy in Corydoras catfishes, fisheries-induced evolution, and traceability of fish populations. Taylor leads projects on lobster ageing via DNA methylation and collaborates internationally on studies of biodiversity and conservation genetics. Education: BSc (Animal and Plant Biology) from the University of Leeds (1990–1993) and PhD from the University of Aberdeen/Southampton (1993–1996), studying speciation in African cichlids. Research projects include Woodland impacts on pollinator diversity Genetic basis of catfish venoms Development of novel ageing methods for European lobsters His work bridges fundamental and applied research, addressing challenges in fisheries management, conservation, and ecological sustainability. Taylor serves as an Associate Editor for Marine Biology and maintains an active lab group at UEA. Key contributions include advancing DNA-based methods for ecological and conservation applications, such as detecting jellyfish predation and tracking fish populations via genetic markers.

Rachel O'NeillView profile

Professor

• Genome Stability
• Retroelement Transcription
• Centromere Function
• +5 more

Rachel O'Neill serves as a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research bridges molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and computational genomics to investigate fundamental mechanisms of genome stability and evolution across diverse eukaryotic species. Her primary research interests focus on retroelement transcription, centromere function, chromosome evolution, and species-specific genomic adaptations. O'Neill's lab pioneers telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly methodologies using next-generation sequencing technologies, establishing non-traditional model organisms including marsupials, monotremes, birds, marine species, plants, and insects for comparative genome biology studies. Human Telomere-to-Telomere Consortium Primate T2T Consortium Gibbon T2T Consortium Earth Biogenomes Project Ruminant T2T Consortium Fly T2T Consortium Deep Ocean Genomes Project Antarctic Genomes Consortium Colossal Foundation UConn’s Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics program O'Neill's recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate leadership in large-scale genomics initiatives, with significant contributions to understanding centromere biology, sex chromosome evolution, and conservation genomics. Her work spans marsupial mole genomics, ruminant chromosome evolution, and epigenetic regulation of X-chromosome inactivation, reflecting her lab's broad impact across evolutionary biology, conservation, and fundamental genome science. Her laboratory actively trains students through cohort-based programs including the RaMP Cohort and Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics Program, securing substantial collaborative funding through multi-institutional consortia. The lab maintains strong infrastructure for advanced genome assembly and epigenomic analysis, with particular expertise in challenging repetitive regions and non-model organism genomics.

Fernanda CardosoView profile

Academic

• Venom peptide-based biodiscovery
• Therapeutics development for neurological disorders
• Ion channel modulators
• +6 more

Dr Fernanda Cardoso is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland. She holds dual Brazilian-Australian citizenship and specializes in venom peptide-based biodiscovery and therapeutics development for neurological disorders such as chronic pain, motor neuron disease (MND), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Her interdisciplinary expertise spans neuropharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery. Education: Bachelor's, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) MSc in Molecular Pharmacology, UFMG PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology, UFMG Research Interests: Mechanisms and therapies for chronic pain/visceral pain/IBS Neurodegeneration pathophysiology and drug development Venom pharmacology of spiders, cone snails, and snakes Structure-function relationships of venom peptides Voltage-gated ion channel modulation Grants & Projects: Current: Peptide Inhibitors Targeting Sodium Channels (2023-2026) Past: Multifunctional analgesic inhibitors (2020-2023), IBS pain therapies (2018-2019) Supervision: Recently advised 14 students on projects including ALS therapies, venom peptide characterization, and ion channel modulation. Current openings focus on venom bioactives and neurological disorder treatments. Achievements: Pioneered venom-based ion channel modulator discovery, identified neuroprotective venom peptides, and developed a schistosomiasis vaccine candidate. Her work bridges basic research with clinical applications for global health challenges.

• Comparative Genomics
• Database Curation
• Evo-Devo
• +4 more

Marc Robinson-Rechavi is a Professor at the University of Lausanne, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Department of Ecology and Evolution. He leads the Evolutionary Bioinformatics Group , focusing on genome evolution and developmental biology (Evo-Devo) through the creation of databases like Bgee and MoultDB . Core projects: Bgee (gene expression database), MoultDB (arthropod molting genetics), SelectomeDB (positive selection) Collaborations: Paleontology, genome biology, and experimental Evo-Devo groups Research interests include linking developmental processes to genome evolution , with emphasis on gene duplication, regulatory sequence evolution, and molecular convergence. His work has significant applications in cancer research , agriculture , and biomedical studies . The group's publications (2020-2025) demonstrate expertise in single-cell transcriptomics , ontologies , and computational methods . Projects often involve ray-finned fishes , amphioxus , and arthropod diversity , with tools like OMAmer and Bio-SODA expanding bioinformatics capabilities. Current students and former group members have contributed to diverse projects including: Arthropod molting mechanisms Venom gland evolution Sex-biased gene expression Positive selection in human evolution

Matthew GiffordView profile

Professor

• Animal Physiology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Herpetology
• +2 more

Matthew Gifford is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Arkansas. He earned his PhD from Washington University in St. Louis in 2008 and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota (2008-2009) before joining UCA in 2014. His research examines physiological and ecological adaptations in reptiles and amphibians, with emphasis on thermal biology, life-history evolution, and anthropogenic impacts. Research focuses on: Thermoregulatory strategies in changing environments Life-history responses to human disturbances Nutritional ecology of insectivorous predators Innovative methods for thermal environment quantification His publications demonstrate consistent investigation of ectotherm responses to environmental challenges, with recent work emphasizing climate change impacts, methodological innovations in thermal ecology, and conservation physiology. Courses taught include Animal Physiology, Animal Ecological Physiology, and Structure and Function of the Human Body.

Rachel AllavenaView profile

Professor

• Comparative and translational medicine
• Veterinary pathology
• Animal model validation
• +7 more

Rachel Allavena is a Professor and Deputy Head of School at the School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland . She specializes in veterinary pathology and comparative medicine , developing cancer immunotherapies using pet dogs with natural cancer as models for human oncology. Her work bridges veterinary and human medicine, focusing on translational research . She also leads forensic pathology investigations for Racing Queensland , Queensland Police , and RSPCA Queensland , advocating for animal cruelty prevention . PhD in Comparative Medicine (Cornell University) Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology (University of Guelph) Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Honours (University of Queensland) Her research spans comparative oncology (including canine brain cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma ), koala conservation (co-developer of KoalaBASE database), and envenomation studies . She has trained ACVP board-certified pathologists and developed drug safety testing protocols in the UK pharmaceutical sector. Her immunotherapy trials have achieved 20% cure rates in terminal canine cancer patients. 2015 - Faculty of Science Teaching Excellence Award 2021 - UQ Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning As a media expert , she has featured in international outlets and delivered a TEDx talk on canine cancer therapy. She actively supervises PhD/MPhil students in projects like Canine Osteosarcoma Immunotherapy and Feline GI Lymphomas . Her team explores biometallic implants and forensic pathology applications.

Lauren EspositoView profile

Researcher

• Arachnology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biogeography
• +3 more

Lauren Esposito is the Assistant Curator and Schlinger Chair of Arachnology at the California Academy of Sciences, housed within the Entomology department. She specializes in the evolutionary processes of scorpions and spiders, with a focus on biogeography, venom diversity, and conservation. Her work bridges museum science with field research, emphasizing the interconnectedness of geology, climate, and biodiversity. Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), influenced by the Chihuahuan Desert. PhD in Arachnology from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY), focusing on Centruroides scorpions. National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley, studying Caribbean arachnid biogeography. Research Interests: Dr. Esposito investigates scorpion evolution, venom diversity, and their role as “living fossils” in understanding biodiversity patterns. She explores how scorpions adapt to diverse ecosystems and their interactions with mammals like venom-resistant scorpion mice. Her work in the Caribbean reveals that 30–50% of collected species are newly discovered, underscoring gaps in biodiversity knowledge. Conservation and Outreach: She co-founded Islands & Seas , a nonprofit building field stations to conserve coastal biodiversity through community engagement and student training. She also co-founded 500 Queer Scientists , advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility in STEM. Her research stations in Baja California Sur aim to balance development with ecological preservation. Awards: NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship. Collaborations: Works with postdoctoral fellows (e.g., Dr. Sarah Crews on spiders) and global institutions on expeditions. Leads biodiversity surveys in the Caribbean and El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. Labs/Teams: Active in field stations and museum collections, emphasizing hands-on education and citizen science via platforms like iNaturalist.

• Pharmacognosy
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Essential Oils
• +6 more

Prof. Ayhan Altıntaş is a Professor at Anadolu University's Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Professional Sciences, where he has been serving since 2021. Previously, he held positions as Associate Professor (2012-2021), Assistant Professor (2008-2012), Lecturer (2003-2008), and Research Assistant (1993-2003) at the same institution. He also served as Assistant Director of Vocational School during multiple periods (2019-2021, 2014-2017, 2010-2011). His educational background includes: Doctorate in Pharmacognosy from Anadolu University's Institute of Health Sciences (1995-2003) Postgraduate degree in Pharmacognosy from Anadolu University's Institute of Health Sciences (1993-1995) Undergraduate degree in Pharmacy from Anadolu University's Faculty of Pharmacy (1988-1992) Prof. Altıntaş specializes in Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology, with extensive research on medicinal and aromatic plants. His work focuses on the chemical composition and biological activities of plant extracts, particularly essential oils. He has conducted significant research on Origanum onites , Lavandula stoechas , Centaurea species, and Lycium barbarum . His methodologies include GC/MS analysis, antioxidant activity testing, and evaluation of antimicrobial and anticancer properties of natural compounds. His research bridges traditional Turkish medicine with modern pharmacological approaches, examining how ethnobotanical knowledge can inform contemporary drug discovery. He has particularly investigated the therapeutic potential of Anatolian flora, documenting traditional uses while scientifically validating their efficacy. Prof. Altıntaş's publication record shows a consistent focus on natural products chemistry, with recent work expanding into cancer research (particularly breast and cervical cancer cell lines) and ethnobotanical studies of traditional Turkish remedies. His research demonstrates an evolution from basic phytochemical analysis toward more applied therapeutic investigations, while maintaining a strong foundation in pharmacognosy. He has advised 12 theses throughout his career and participated in numerous funded research projects, including: "Training Course on Process Technologies Quality Control and Utilization of Essential Oils" "Amatör Türk Halk Müziği Koro Çalışmalarındaki Koristlerin Somut Olmayan Kültürel Mirasın aktarımındaki aracılığının belirlenmesi" "Bazı Aromatik Bitkilerde Kolonize Endofitlerin Biyoaktif Metabolitleri" "Centaurea babylonica bitkisi üzerinde farmakognozik araştırmalar" Prof. Altıntaş has also contributed to educational materials, authoring chapters on aromatherapy, essential oil safety, and medicinal plant laboratory techniques. His work reflects a comprehensive approach to pharmacognosy that spans basic research, education, and practical applications in pharmaceutical sciences.

Andrew DursoView profile

Associate Professor

• Snake Ecology
• Population and Community Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +5 more

Andrew Durso is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), joining in 2020. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Utah State University, an M.S. in Biological Science from Eastern Illinois University, and a B.S. in Ecology from the University of Georgia. His research focuses on snake ecology, including population dynamics, community ecology, and the application of artificial intelligence and citizen science for snake identification. Special interests include venomous snakebite epidemiology, stable isotope analysis of food webs, and the ecological impacts of urbanization. He is actively involved in global health initiatives and machine learning applications in biodiversity. Dr. Durso has received grants such as the NSF BRC-BIO Award (2023) and has been recognized with the Herpetologists' League E.E. Williams Research Grant (2013) and the North Carolina Herpetological Society Research Grant (2009). He has mentored students who have won FGCU and Utah State University Undergraduate Scholarly Awards. He teaches courses including General Biology I, General Ecology, and Senior Research. His work spans over 35 peer-reviewed publications and frequent conference presentations at venues like the World Congress of Herpetology and IEEE CVPR. Dr. Durso collaborates with institutions such as Archbold Biological Station and engages in outreach through platforms like his blog Life is Short, but Snakes are Long . His research emphasizes the intersection of ecology, conservation, and technology to address global challenges.

Bruno Alves BuzattoView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Sexual Selection
• +7 more

Dr. Bruno Alves Buzatto is a Senior Lecturer in Terrestrial Ecology at Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering. He is a behavioral and evolutionary ecologist specializing in arthropod biodiversity, particularly insects and arachnids, with an h-index of 23 and 1,362 citations across 59 research outputs. His educational background includes: PhD in The evolution of male dimorphism in arthropods from the University of Western Australia (2013) MSc in Reproductive biology of the harvestman Acutisoma proximum from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (2008) BSc (Honours) from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (2005) Dr. Buzatto's research focuses on sexual selection, alternative reproductive tactics, and the evolution of mating systems in arthropods. His work often employs experimental evolution approaches to study phenotypic plasticity in terrestrial arthropods including dung beetles, earwigs, bulb mites, and spiders. He has made significant contributions to understanding male dimorphism, weapon allometry, and sperm competition in invertebrates. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on sexual selection dynamics in arthropods, particularly examining how environmental factors like climate change and resource availability influence mating behaviors and reproductive strategies. His work spans taxonomic groups from spiders and scorpions to mites and harvestmen, with recent emphasis on Australian arachnids including the Sydney Funnel-Web Spider. He has also contributed to biodiversity discovery, notably with the identification of a millipede species with over 1,000 legs. His scientific contributions include: Discovery of the first true millipede with more than 1,000 legs Research on short-range endemic invertebrates in Western Australia's Pilbara and Goldfields regions National Geographic-funded project on Sydney Funnel-Web Spider movement ecology Dr. Buzatto maintains active research collaborations through external positions as Research Associate at the Western Australian Museum, Honorary Lecturer at Macquarie University, and Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. His laboratory and field research involves studying arthropod behavior, morphology, and ecology, with particular focus on Australian terrestrial invertebrates. His team combines field observations with experimental approaches to understand evolutionary processes shaping arthropod diversity.

• Biogeography
• Systematics
• Taxonomy
• +5 more

Stephanie Loria is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at the University of Central Oklahoma, where she joined in spring 2025. Her research focuses on the biogeography and systematics of poorly studied arthropod groups, particularly scorpions, spiders and their relatives. Dr. Loria completed her Ph.D. in Comparative Biology at the Richard Gilder Graduate School of the American Museum of Natural History in New York (2016) and earned her B.S. in Environmental Studies: Ecology and Biodiversity from Sewanee: The University of the South (2011). She has held postdoctoral positions at the Museum of Nature Hamburg (2021-24), the American Museum of Natural History (2018-20), and the California Academy of Sciences (2017). Her research interests include biogeography, systematics, taxonomy, arachnology, myriapodology, and paleontology. She employs a multidisciplinary approach combining DNA data, GIS mapping, R-based analyses, and advanced imaging techniques to study taxon origins, diversification patterns, morphological innovation, and evolution in arthropods. Dr. Loria's recent publications (2020-2025) reveal a strong focus on arachnid evolution, particularly pseudoscorpions and scorpions. Her work spans paleontological studies of fossil arthropods in amber, biogeographical analyses of contemporary distributions, and systematic revisions of poorly studied taxa. Her research demonstrates expertise in evolutionary biology, biogeography, and systematic methods. Dr. Loria is also committed to scientific outreach and education. Since 2011, she has served as co-founder and president of The Metropolitan Society of Natural Historians, a 501(c) nonprofit organization based in New York City dedicated to science education for the general public. She has organized over 100 events serving approximately 2000 people. Her teaching experience includes courses in Invertebrate Zoology, Diversity, and Parasitology at UCO, as well as previous adjunct instruction at SUNY College at Old Westbury and educational programs at the American Museum of Natural History.