Find Academic Supervisors

Jeppe Lund NielsenView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Functional Ecology
• Genomics
• +10 more

Jeppe Lund Nielsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Denmark. His research lies at the intersection of microbial ecology, genomics, and environmental biotechnology, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, and environmental monitoring. His primary research interests include Microbial Ecology, Functional Ecology, Genomics, Molecular and Technical Microbiology, Anaerobic Digestion, Metagenomics, and eDNA Metabarcoding . He applies molecular tools to understand microbial community dynamics in engineered and natural systems, particularly in wastewater and marine environments. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, sustainable cities, and climate action. The recent publication trends reflect a strong emphasis on environmental applications of microbiome science, including nitrogen cycling in wastewater, bioaerosol exposure in workers, eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring, and valorization of waste streams through biotechnology. His articles frequently appear in high-impact environmental and microbiological journals and demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, ecology, and public health. Among his notable scientific contributions are leadership roles in significant research projects such as the AAU Bubble Project (Power2Proteins), JAMBO seabed impact study, and investigations into biotechnological pesticides. He has also contributed to public discourse through media engagement on topics like pesticide regulation and environmental innovation. Professor Nielsen has supervised PhD students, including M. Eskeldsen, and is actively involved in grants and collaborative research across Europe. He is a key member of research teams focused on environmental microbiology, wastewater biotechnology, and marine impact assessments. His lab integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental engineering to address pressing sustainability challenges.

Michael T. MonaghanView profile

Professor

• Freshwater Molecular Ecology
• Evolution
• Metabarcoding
• +12 more

Michael T. Monaghan is a Professor at the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, and leads the Research Group in Molecular Ecology and Genomics at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB). His work bridges evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, and environmental monitoring, focusing on freshwater systems and urban aquatic habitats. Education: B.S. (The Ohio State University, 1995), M.S. (Idaho State University, 1998), Dr. sc. nat. (ETH Zürich, 2002) Key Positions: Senior Scientist/Research Group Leader at IGB (2008–present), Visiting Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School (2016), Guest Professor at Ehime University (2015–2016) Dr. Monaghan's research explores freshwater biodiversity dynamics using molecular tools like metabarcoding and phylogenomics. His team investigates how environmental changes—climate warming, urbanization, pollution—affect microbial and insect communities, with a focus on eDNA applications and ecohydrology. His publications (2022–2025) span topics such as climate-driven plankton shifts, urban habitat adaptation by bees, toxin genetics in algae, and metagenomic monitoring of aquatic systems. Collaborative projects like BiNatUr and ODER~SO emphasize urban resilience and disaster ecology. Teaching includes data science in biology, evolutionary ecology, and environmental genomics at Freie Universität Berlin and the Institute of Computer Science. He mentors doctoral and master’s students in molecular ecology and trains interns in biodiversity genomics. Lab Members: Dr. Dagmar Frisch (Scientific Staff) Dr. Katrin Kiemel (Postdoc) Elisabeth Funke (Research Technician) Doctoral Candidates: Onur Erk Kavlak, Athena Karapli-Petritsopoulou, Daniel Wewer

Douglas YuView profile

Professor

• Metabarcoding
• Rapid Biodiversity Assessment
• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• +12 more

Douglas Yu is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he also serves as Principal Investigator and Director of the Ecology, Conservation, and Environment Center (ECEC), a joint venture with the Kunming Institute of Zoology. He is a member of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation and the Organisms and the Environment research group. His research focuses on cooperation in ecological systems, particularly mutualisms between species and conservation as cooperation between humans and nature. Key methodologies include environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and game theory. He co-founded NatureMetrics to commercialize biodiversity monitoring tools. His work spans tropical ecology, conservation genetics, and human-wildlife conflict resolution, notably in the Amazon. His recent research outputs highlight trends in molecular biodiversity assessment, landscape-scale eDNA analysis, and integrating remote sensing with ecological data. He leads multiple NERC-funded projects and industry collaborations focused on pollination services, cocoa sustainability, and statistical frameworks for eDNA. He is actively involved in scientific governance, serving on the NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility Steering Committee and UKRI grant panels. He also contributes to public discourse through media appearances on topics like leech-based disease surveillance and bee conservation. He teaches courses in evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and statistical modeling using R. He welcomes PhD and postdoctoral researchers, especially those interested in fieldwork in East Asia.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Plant Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Professor Vincent Savolainen is a Professor of Organismic Biology at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park Campus), part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He serves as Director of the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, focusing on interdisciplinary environmental challenges. Previously, he was Deputy Head of the Department of Life Sciences (2013–2016) and Deputy Head of Molecular Systematics at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2007–2016). His research integrates field ecology, molecular phylogenetics, and population genomics to address biodiversity preservation, evolutionary biology, and societal challenges like pandemic monitoring. Key areas include ecological speciation in palms, same-sex behavior in animals, and zoonotic disease surveillance in bats. He has pioneered environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques for biodiversity assessment and led studies on the genetic basis of traits like sexual orientation in primates. Professor Savolainen holds prestigious awards, including the Linnean Society’s Bicentenary Medal (2006), European Research Council Advanced Grant (2008), and Coincy Medal for Botany (2014). He sits on UK Natural Environment Research Council panels and Royal Society committees. His group includes researchers like Dr Marco Balducci and Dr Louis Bell-Roberts, and collaborates with institutions like the Zoological Society of London and Royal Society of Biology. Current projects explore plant-insect coevolution, conservation genetics of deer species, and the evolution of endothermy in fish.

Elizabeth ClareView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental DNA
• Biodiversity Monitoring
• Response of Species to Habitat Change
• +4 more

Elizabeth Clare is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at York University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on developing novel technologies to monitor biodiversity and assess ecosystem responses to environmental change, particularly using environmental DNA (eDNA). She pioneered airborne DNA sampling to study terrestrial biodiversity at continental scales and has contributed to BIOSCAN, a global biodiversity program. Research Themes: Biodiversity monitoring, species interactions, environmental change resilience, bat biology, tropical ecosystems. Technological Innovations: Airborne eDNA, iDNA from leeches, and mobile lab sequencing in remote locations. Her work has been featured in Science , Nature , and media outlets like Wired and NPR . She teaches courses in evolution, ecology, and conservation biology, emphasizing critical thinking and applied research. Recent grants include NSERC and Genome Canada funding for airborne DNA projects. Clare collaborates globally, with fieldwork in Belize, South America, and Southeast Asia. Her lab's 'airDNA' technology has revolutionized biodiversity surveys, leveraging existing air-quality networks for ecological insights. She advises students on projects like urban bat ecology and BIOSCAN applications. Awards include election to the Royal Society of Canada (2023) and recognition for teaching innovations like the BioAudio podcast. Her lab also develops open-access tools, such as 3D-printable eDNA filters.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Zoology
• +9 more

Alfried Vogler is a Professor of Molecular Systematics with a joint appointment at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park) and the Natural History Museum, London. His research focuses on the evolutionary and genetic mechanisms underlying insect biodiversity, particularly in beetles (Coleoptera), using advanced genomic techniques like metagenomics and environmental DNA (eDNA). He has held academic positions since 1995, becoming a Full Professor in 2006. Vogler is affiliated with the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, the Grantham Institute, and the Microbiome Network, contributing to interdisciplinary projects in ecology and conservation. Education: PhD in Bacterial Genetics (1988), University of Osnabrück, Germany MSc in Taxonomy and Biodiversity Biology degree (1984), University of Regensburg, Germany Research Interests: Vogler combines phylogenetics, population genomics, and bioinformatics to study species diversity across hierarchical levels (populations to insect orders). He explores community dynamics in complex environments, including tropical rainforests and soil ecosystems, using cutting-edge methods like metabarcoding and qPCR. His work emphasizes understanding trait evolution, dispersal constraints, and ecological interactions in biodiversity hotspots. Recent projects investigate the role of mitochondrial metagenomics in reconstructing evolutionary histories and predicting climate change impacts on communities. Academic Leadership: Since 1996, Vogler has directed the MSc in Taxonomy and Biodiversity and the MRes in Biosystematics programs, overseeing academic content and student research supervision. He also contributes to the Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation MRes (UCL/NHM) and has been a module organizer for courses like Tree-of-Life and molecular systematics. Labs & Collaborations: Vogler leads the Molecular Systematics research group at the Natural History Museum, collaborating with Imperial College's Silwood Park campus. His work integrates with the SITE-100 project, aiming to build a global genomic framework for biodiversity synthesis. He also participates in DNAqua-Net, advancing genetic tools for aquatic ecosystem assessment.

Andrew HarringtonView profile

Lecturer

• Biodiversity
• Conservation Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Harrington is a Lecturer in the Department of Science at South-East Technological University. His research focuses on biodiversity assessment, conservation biology, and molecular biology techniques applied to ecological studies. He specializes in using environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding to analyze bat feces and other biological samples to understand ecosystem dynamics and species interactions. His work addresses topics such as insect biodiversity, vector species identification (e.g., mosquitoes), and the dietary habits of endangered bat species like Rhinolophus hipposideros. Collaborations include projects on Ireland’s biodiversity and the application of molecular methods to ecological monitoring. Dr. Harrington has contributed to peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations since 2018, emphasizing innovative approaches to ecological assessment. He is currently accepting PhD students interested in these research areas.

Christian GrieblerView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Groundwater Ecosystems
• Climate Change Impacts
• +3 more

Christian Griebler is a Professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences in the Functional and Evolutionary Ecology department at the University of Vienna. His research focuses on microbial communities, groundwater ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change and urbanization on subterranean environments. He leads projects such as Management for Groundwater Sustainability in Urban Areas and Subterranean Ecosystems - Vertical Dimensions of Conservation , addressing challenges like groundwater quality, biodiversity preservation, and adaptation to climate change. Key research interests include microbial dynamics, ecosystem services provided by groundwater, and the vulnerability of subterranean species. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing climate action, clean water, and biodiversity conservation. Recent publications highlight trends in groundwater warming, microbial community responses to environmental stressors, and the ecological significance of subterranean habitats. His findings underscore the need for policy frameworks to protect groundwater ecosystems, including guidelines for urban development and sustainable land use. Notable activities include public lectures on groundwater biodiversity and media engagements explaining his research. Collaborations span international teams studying groundwater biodiversity, viral ecology, and climate change impacts.

• Plant Physiology
• Climate Change Impacts
• Antarctic Ecosystems
• +3 more

Johanna Turnbull is a Lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of Wollongong, affiliated with the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS). Her research focuses on plant ecophysiology, particularly stress biology, photosynthesis, and climate change impacts on Antarctic mosses. She employs advanced techniques like ELISAs, spectrophotometric assays, and remote sensing to monitor plant health and stress markers. Turnbull has been involved in long-term Antarctic moss monitoring since 2000, contributing to projects like the State of the Environment Indicator 72. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered approaches, including blended learning, formative feedback, and active learning strategies in large cohorts. She has developed courses using case studies, flipped lectures, and peer assessment. Turnbull has secured funding for interdisciplinary projects, such as ECO-ANTARCTICA (Antarctic observing systems) and Drones@UOW (UAV-based ecological monitoring). She collaborates widely, appearing in media (e.g., The Conversation) and publishing influential work on Antarctic vegetation dynamics and climate change impacts. Turnbull’s research spans 20+ peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to understanding moss desiccation tolerance, Antarctic ecosystem resilience, and the application of remote sensing in polar environments. Her work bridges plant physiology, ecology, and technology, addressing critical questions about life in extreme environments and climate-driven ecological shifts.

Peter McintyreView profile

Associate Professor

• Aquatic Conservation Ecology
• Freshwater Ecosystems
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +7 more

Peter Mcintyre serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds the Dwight Webster Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellowship and is affiliated with the Institute for African Development as a Core Faculty member and the Southeast Asia Program as a Faculty Associate. His educational background includes a B.A. in Biology from Harvard University (1998) and a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University (2006). Mcintyre is an aquatic conservation ecologist whose research focuses on developing management approaches that balance human interests with protecting biodiversity. His work spans multiple continents, with field studies conducted in New York, the Great Lakes, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Hawaii. His academic interests encompass Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Science, Community Ecology and Population Biology, Evolutionary Patterns and Processes, Organismal Biology, and Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Key research themes include fisheries, food webs, climate change, ecological stoichiometry, global biodiversity, conservation planning, river networks, and life history and migration. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on freshwater ecosystem conservation, with particular attention to global patterns of biodiversity, climate change impacts on aquatic systems, fisheries management, and conservation planning. His work increasingly integrates molecular techniques like eDNA with traditional ecological methods, while maintaining a strong emphasis on practical conservation applications across diverse global contexts from the Amazon to Hawaiian streams. Dwight Webster Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow Mcintyre leads the McIntyre Lab, which addresses ecology and conservation in rivers and lakes worldwide, with special focus on the organism-ecosystem interface. His lab studies how animals affect ecosystem productivity and nutrient dynamics, with particular emphasis on freshwater fisheries in the Adirondack Mountains and developing nations. His students and postdocs have received significant recognition including NSERC graduate research fellowships and Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants. The lab's work spans multiple major research projects including the Adirondack Fisheries Research Program, Lake Tanganyika Ecosystem Project, Great Lakes connectivity initiatives, and conservation of Native Stream Gobies in the Hawaiian Archipelago. The McIntyre Lab maintains active research sites across the globe, from the Adirondacks to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, with particular strength in studying the connections between organismal biology and ecosystem processes in freshwater environments. Their work consistently bridges fundamental ecological questions with practical conservation applications, making significant contributions to both scientific understanding and on-the-ground management of freshwater resources.

Agneta AnderssonView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Aquatic Microbiology
• Eutrophication
• +5 more

Agneta Andersson is a Professor at Umeå University's Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, and affiliated as Professor at the Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMF). She leads research projects in marine ecology and coordinates the strategic EcoChange program. Her work focuses on microbial ecology, eutrophication impacts, and climate change effects on marine ecosystems. She supervises PhD student Meifang Zhong and collaborates with postdoc Alef dos Santos and lab members Sonia Brugel, Kesava Ramasamy, Karolina Eriksson, and Li Zhao. Research Interests Her research explores microbial community dynamics, predator-prey interactions in aquatic systems, and the ecological consequences of terrestrial organic matter inflow. Key topics include mercury contamination in sediments, phytoplankton responses to environmental changes, and the role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in coastal ecosystems. She investigates how climate-driven environmental shifts affect food web efficiency and toxin bioaccumulation patterns. Current Projects Scientific Coordinator for the strategic EcoChange program Leading a 2025–2026 project assessing eutrophication threats in the Bothnian Bay Developing DNA-based monitoring tools for marine phytoplankton Grants & Collaborations Her work is supported by grants funding studies on Baltic Sea microbial diversity and coastal DOM dynamics. She contributes to international initiatives like the CoastDOM database and collaborates with institutions globally to address climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Labs & Teams Her research group focuses on microbial ecology and environmental monitoring. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular techniques, field observations, and experimental mesocosm studies to address pressing environmental challenges.

• Marine Biology
• Ocean Acidification
• Plankton Ecology
• +3 more

Maria Alguero-Muniz is a Researcher at the University of Glasgow , affiliated with the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine . Her work focuses on ocean acidification impacts , plankton community dynamics , and marine ecosystem responses to environmental stressors. Her research spans plankton physiology , trophic interactions , and climate change adaptation in marine systems. Recent projects include eDNA metabarcoding for aquaculture monitoring and upwelling simulations to study carbon cycling. Maria's publications (2012–2025) reveal a thematic focus on marine biogeochemistry , zooplankton ecology , and novel species taxonomy . Key collaborations include institutions studying pelagic food webs and CO2-driven ecological shifts . Scientific awards include funding from The Royal Society of Edinburgh (2021–2022) for planktonic threat monitoring in salmon aquaculture. Her work has been published in Nature Climate Change , Global Biogeochemical Cycles , and Frontiers in Marine Science .

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Climate Change Impact on Marine Ecosystems
• Microbial Ecology
• +5 more

Dr. Megan Huggett is a Senior Lecturer in Marine Science at the University of Newcastle's School of Environmental and Life Sciences. Her research focuses on microbial ecology in marine and coastal ecosystems, particularly the role of microbes in fish health, larval settlement, and responses to environmental stressors like climate change and pollution. She holds a PhD and BSc from the University of New South Wales. Her work bridges fundamental science and applied solutions, collaborating with government agencies (e.g., NSW Department of Planning, Hunter Water) to address estuarine water quality and contamination issues. Key projects include investigating microplastic impacts, microbial community shifts under warming, and the ecological role of fish gut microbiomes. Recent studies highlight her focus on climate-driven microbial dysbiosis in fish, the ecological consequences of urchin barrens, and the application of eDNA for biomonitoring. She has secured ~$447k in grants since 2021, supporting projects on seagrass resilience, microbial source tracking, and urban estuary management. Dr. Huggett emphasizes training future marine scientists, with over 36 journal articles and two conference papers. Her future research aims to develop microbial probiotics for ecosystem resilience and improve understanding of microbial responses to anthropogenic pressures.

• Molecular Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Restoration Genetics
• +3 more

Associate Professor Paul Nevill is affiliated with Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds roles including leadership in the MBioMe group (Minesite Biodiversity Monitoring with eDNA), membership in the TrEnD lab, and involvement with the ARC Training Centre for Healing Country. His research focuses on molecular approaches for species conservation, restoration genetics, and eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring. He collaborates with government agencies, industries, and academic institutions to advance ecological restoration and conservation practices. Paul's educational background includes extensive training in molecular ecology and conservation biology, reflected in his academic publications and projects. He teaches and coordinates units like ENST3000 at Curtin, and supervises HDR students, emphasizing hands-on mentorship in ecological research. His research interests span molecular ecology, restoration genetics, and the application of eDNA to monitor ecosystems. Notable projects include using spider webs and airborne particles for vertebrate detection, assessing soil microbial communities in mine restoration, and evaluating the impacts of land-use changes on root-fungal networks. His work bridges laboratory-based genomics with field ecology, addressing both theoretical and applied conservation challenges. Paul's collaborations extend to global initiatives, such as the 500 Plastome Project for plant conservation, and he actively participates in policy-relevant discussions on ethical seed sourcing and restoration targets. His contributions to ecological solutions are further highlighted through involvement in projects like microbial inoculation for mine-waste substrates and the use of miniaturized spectrometers for soil health assessment. In terms of awards, while no specific prizes are listed, his leadership roles and active membership in the Society for Ecological Restoration underscore his commitment to advancing conservation practices. His work has been published in high-impact journals like Trends in Plant Science , Biological Reviews , and Molecular Ecology , reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his research.

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis
• Microbial Ecology
• Ancient DNA (aDNA) Studies
• +3 more

Matthew Campbell is a Research Fellow at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS), part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is affiliated with the Curtin Medical Research Institute (Curtin MRI) and holds office in Room 201 at Curtin Perth campus. His research focuses on environmental DNA (eDNA), ancient DNA (aDNA), microbial ecology, and hypersaline/extreme environment studies. Key projects include investigating coastal-marine ecosystems through sedimentary aDNA, groundwater keystone ecosystems, and microbial community responses to environmental stressors like salinity and cyclones. Research emphasizes integrative approaches combining eDNA metabarcoding with traditional ecological methods, particularly in hypersaline lakes (e.g., Rottnest Island), arid zone calcretes, and anchialine sinkholes. His work bridges microbiology, geochemistry, and conservation biology, addressing topics like threatened species detection (e.g., Pilbara olive python), climate change impacts on microbial communities, and ecosystem function in extreme environments. Campbell collaborates extensively with international teams on projects ranging from Australian coastal systems to Indonesian Lake Towuti. Publications reflect a strong focus on method development for eDNA sampling (e.g., spider webs as novel matrices) and interdisciplinary applications of DNA-based techniques to understand ecosystem dynamics. His work contributes to both fundamental ecological understanding and applied conservation strategies. No major scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.