Find Academic Supervisors

Luigimaria BorrusoView profile

Professor

• Soil and molecular ecology
• Plant-fungal/bacterial-soil interaction
• (Agro)-ecological networks in apple orchards and vineyards
• +4 more

Luigimaria Borruso is a Tenured Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences at the Free University of Bolzano. Their research focuses on soil and molecular ecology, microbial communities in agro-ecosystems, and environmental DNA (eDNA) applications for biodiversity conservation. University: Free University of Bolzano School: Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences Email: luigimaria.borruso@unibz.it Research Interests: Soil and molecular ecology Plant-fungal/bacterial-soil interactions (Agro)-ecological networks in apple orchards and vineyards Soil quality indicators Agroecology Environmental DNA (eDNA) in soil biodiversity conservation Science education for soil literacy Recent Publications Trends: Recent works explore microplastics in soil systems, biochar-microbe partnerships for crop growth, microbial dynamics in extreme environments (volcanoes, Antarctica), and applications of metabarcoding in conservation biology (lemurs, bats). They also investigate sustainable agricultural practices, including living labs and soil enzyme analysis via machine learning. Courses Taught: General Chemistry and Biochemistry at the bachelor's level, and advanced topics like Soil Ecology, Statistical Methods for Agricultural Research, and Soil Protection in master's programs.

Kelly MeiklejohnView profile

Assistant Professor

• DNA Forensics
• Wildlife Forensics
• Taxonomy
• +7 more

Kelly Meiklejohn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology at North Carolina State University, joining in January 2018 as part of the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program cluster in Forensic Sciences. Her research integrates molecular biology, taxonomy, and forensic DNA analysis to advance wildlife forensics and forensic casework protocols. Education: B. of Biotechnology Advanced (Hons Class 1) and Ph.D. from the University of Wollongong (Australia) Postdoctoral Training: University of Florida (2013), FBI Laboratory (2017) Meiklejohn’s work focuses on applying massively parallel sequencing (MPS) to forensic scenarios, improving mitochondrial DNA recovery from challenging samples, and developing molecular protocols for non-human biological material. Her recent publications highlight expertise in DNA metabarcoding, non-destructive sampling methods, and forensic geology. Affiliations: Member of Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Society for Wildlife Forensic Science She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, mentors forensic science students, and leads the Meiklejohn Lab, which specializes in wildlife forensics and environmental DNA analysis.

• Ancient DNA
• Environmental DNA
• Lake Sediment Analysis
• +7 more

Weihan Jia is a PhD Candidate in the Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems department at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Potsdam, Germany. His research focuses on ancient DNA (aDNA) and environmental DNA (eDNA) preserved in lake sediments, with a particular emphasis on reconstructing past vegetation dynamics and paleoclimatic conditions. His work spans regions including the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Siberia, and Alaska, addressing questions related to biodiversity change, climate variability, and ecosystem resilience. Key research interests include the application of metabarcoding and metagenomics to analyze sedimentary DNA, assessing the preservation of genetic material in lake sediments, and linking these findings to environmental drivers such as land use changes and temperature shifts. Dr. Jia's studies contribute to understanding how high-latitude and high-altitude ecosystems respond to climatic fluctuations, providing insights into future environmental changes. His publications highlight innovations in combining sedimentary DNA with traditional proxies like pollen analysis to improve vegetation reconstruction accuracy. Recent work has explored the sensitivity of vegetation and glacial systems to summer warming in cold regions, as well as monsoon dynamics linked to ENSO activity. Collaborative efforts include projects on the Tibetan Plateau and Siberian lakes, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to paleoenvironmental research. While currently focused on his doctoral research, Jia actively engages in data-driven projects through platforms like PANGAEA and Google Scholar, advancing open science and environmental monitoring initiatives.

Michelle JungbluthView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Biological Oceanography
• Molecular Biology
• Marine Ecology
• +7 more

Michelle Jungbluth is an Adjunct Professor of Biology at San Francisco State University (SFSU), specializing in Biological Oceanography and Molecular Biology. She leads the Jungbluth Lab at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center, focusing on marine ecosystems, microbial diversity, and the application of advanced molecular techniques like environmental DNA (eDNA) and genomics. Her work integrates interdisciplinary collaborations, including studies on deep-sea exploration, microbial extremophiles, and AI-driven environmental solutions. Her research emphasizes food web dynamics, wetland restoration, and biodiversity assessment in marine and estuarine environments. Key projects include collaborations with Dr. Wim Kimmerer on zooplankton studies, Dr. Karen Crow on manta ray distribution via eDNA, and UC Davis on sevengill shark diets. She also develops data standards for genomic and environmental research through initiatives like the MIEM guidelines and FAIR-aligned data frameworks. Research interests span astrobiology, deep biosphere exploration, and synthetic biology applications for environmental challenges. The lab supports M.S. students in Integrative Biology or Computer Science, and volunteers in field and lab settings. Funding sources include grants from agencies like NSF and NOAA, supporting projects on microbial ecology, deep-sea biodiversity, and AI in environmental science. Notable achievements include pioneering eDNA methodologies, characterizing abyssal larval communities, and advancing genomic standards. Her lab’s work contributes to both fundamental understanding of marine systems and applied solutions for ecosystem resilience and conservation.

Michelle GaitherView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine biology
• Ichthyology
• Genomics
• +7 more

Michelle Gaither is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Sciences . Her research focuses on marine evolutionary ecology, particularly the formation of species through geographic isolation, ecological differentiation, and selection in deep-sea and coral reef fish lineages. Research Areas : Marine biodiversity, ichthyology, genomics, population genetics, eDNA applications Key Techniques : Genome sequencing, RADSeq, field-based studies, biogeographic modeling The Gaither Lab investigates how species form in marine environments, with projects on deep-sea grenadiers , hawkfishes , and surgeonfishes . They also pioneer eDNA as a biogeographic tool to assess biodiversity patterns and anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems. Recent publications highlight her lab’s work on: Environmental DNA optimization for invasive species detection (2025) Larval dispersal dynamics in South Pacific archipelagos (2025) Biogeographic barriers in tropical marine fish genetics (2024) Metadata curation challenges in global genetic diversity surveillance (2023) Her lab was recognized in UCF’s 2024 Founders’ Day Faculty Honors , and her students have received accolades like the Outstanding Student Presentation Award at the Indian River Lagoon Symposium (2024). Collaborative projects span global locations including the Arabian Peninsula , Chagos Archipelago , and Hawaiian Archipelago . Lab members include doctoral candidate Ashley Reaume (bioassessment toolkit), graduate students Samuel Greaves and Michelle Shaffer, and undergraduates Hillary Quach and Nadia Barsis. They employ interdisciplinary methods such as phylogenetics , coalescent modeling , and stable isotope analysis to address evolutionary questions.

Donald BairdView profile

Academic

• Wetland Ecology
• Stress Ecology
• Global Change Processes
• +3 more

Dr. Donald Baird is a Visiting Research Professor in Biology at the University of New Brunswick and Senior Research Scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. As a Fellow of the Canadian Rivers Institute, his research focuses on ecological risk assessment and developing innovative methods for biodiversity observation in freshwater ecosystems using ecogenomics approaches. He leads a national initiative applying DNA-based techniques for monitoring Canada's threatened ecosystems, particularly river floodplains and boreal wetlands. His work addresses the complex stressor regimes affecting aquatic ecosystems in the Anthropocene through integrated assessment approaches that combine traditional ecology with molecular tools. With over 150 publications and 4 books, Dr. Baird has conducted research across five continents and serves as a science advisor for international organizations including WHO-Water, Ramsar, and WWF-Canada.

Stefano MarianiView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Conservation Genetics
• DNA Metabarcoding
• +3 more

Stefano Mariani is a Professor at Liverpool John Moores University (since 2019) in the School of Environment & Life Sciences. Previously, he held roles including Professor of Conservation Genetics at the University of Salford (2011–2019), Lecturer at University College Dublin (2005–2011), and Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Hull (2002–2004). He earned his PhD in Animal Biology from Sapienza University of Rome (2001) and a BSc+MSc in Biology from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (1997). His research focuses on marine ecology and conservation genetics, with emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches for biodiversity management, DNA metabarcoding, and fisheries sustainability. Recent work includes leveraging eDNA from sponges and diver-assisted sampling for marine biodiversity monitoring, as well as investigating sex change dynamics in fish populations. Key contributions span environmental DNA applications, seafood traceability, and Antarctic biodiversity studies. Publications highlight innovations like using museum-preserved sponges for historical eDNA analysis and developing tools to combat seafood mislabeling. Collaborative projects include global biodiversity monitoring (e.g., DNA Divers initiative) and forensic applications of eDNA in wildlife crime investigations. His work bridges academic research with practical conservation, emphasizing scalable solutions for marine ecosystems. Current affiliations include Liverpool John Moores University, with grants and partnerships focused on eDNA technologies and fisheries management.

Herb SchellhornView profile

Professor

• Bacterial Genetics
• Molecular Microbiology
• Bacterial Stress Response
• +5 more

Herb Schellhorn is a Professor in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science at McMaster University. His research spans fundamental bacterial genetics to applied environmental microbiology, with a particular focus on bacterial adaptation mechanisms and water quality monitoring. Dr. Schellhorn earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Guelph, followed by a Ph.D. in Microbiology from North Carolina State University. His academic background established the foundation for his expertise in bacterial stress response mechanisms and molecular microbiology. His laboratory primarily investigates bacterial genes that help cells adapt to sub-optimal growth conditions, with significant emphasis on the RpoS regulon. Early in his career, he focused on fundamental mechanisms of bacterial gene regulation, oxidative stress response, and DNA repair in Escherichia coli. More recently, his research has expanded to address critical environmental challenges, particularly in recreational water safety and pathogen detection in the Great Lakes region. His work combines DNA microarrays, real-time PCR, reporter fusions, and mass spectrometry with advanced genomic techniques to develop innovative solutions for water quality assessment. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strategic evolution from pure bacterial physiology toward applied environmental microbiology. While maintaining his core interest in bacterial adaptation mechanisms, approximately 70% of his recent work (2023-2025) focuses on water quality monitoring, microbial source tracking, and recreational water safety. His research demonstrates exceptional methodological diversity, incorporating molecular diagnostics, metagenomics, and computational approaches to address public health challenges. Development of novel molecular methods for rapid water quality assessment Application of genomic technologies to environmental monitoring Investigation of bacterial adaptation in natural aquatic environments Creation of same-day testing protocols for recreational water safety Characterization of microbial communities in freshwater ecosystems Dr. Schellhorn actively contributes to teaching at McMaster University, instructing courses including Medical Microbiology (MOLBIOL 6P03 and 4P03), Introductory Biology (BIOLOGY 1P03), and Techniques in Molecular Genetics (MOLBIOL 3V03). His teaching reflects his research expertise, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills in molecular biology and microbiology. His laboratory serves as a training ground for students interested in both fundamental bacterial physiology and applied environmental microbiology.

• Plant Ecology
• Molecular Plant Ecology
• Mycorrhizal Fungi Interactions
• +4 more

Inga Hiiesalu is an Associate Professor of Molecular Plant Ecology at the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Science and Technology, within the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences. She specializes in plant-fungal interactions, particularly focusing on mycorrhizal fungi across environmental gradients. Her work spans global-scale studies in diverse regions, including Europe, North America, the Himalayas, and Iceland. Education: PhD in Plant Ecology (2012) and Master’s in Biology (2007), both from the University of Tartu. Research: Over 50 publications in journals like *Science*, *New Phytologist*, and *Ecology Letters*, cited over 3,400 times (H-index 24). Awards: 2015 I Prize for Young Researcher Presentation and 2012 Honorary Mention in National Student Research Competition. Research interests include biodiversity conservation, soil microbial diversity, and the ecological impacts of global change. She leads projects funded by the Estonian Research Council and EU, such as *Agroecology and New Crops in Future Climates* (€1.37M) and *Soil FUNgi in FARMing Landscapes* (€577K). Her supervision includes doctoral student Merili Simmer and master’s student Epp Maria Lillipuu. Administrative roles include editorial work, conference organizing, and society memberships (e.g., Estonian Mycological Society).

• Soil Ecology
• Plant Ecology
• Mycorrhizal Fungi
• +7 more

Tanel Vahter is a Research Fellow in Soil Ecology at the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences. He holds a Doctor’s Degree from the University of Tartu (2021) and a Master’s Degree in Landscape Ecology from Tallinn University (2016). His career includes roles as a doctoral student (2016–2021) and chief specialist in agrochemistry at the Agricultural Research Centre (2014–2016). Education: PhD in Botany and Ecology, University of Tartu (2016–2021) MSc in Landscape Ecology (cum laude), Tallinn University (2014–2016) BSc in Geoecology, Tallinn University (2011–2014) Research Interests: Vahter focuses on soil ecology, plant-microbial mutualisms, and sustainable agroecosystems. His work explores how agricultural practices, environmental factors, and historical habitat proximity influence soil biodiversity and ecosystem services. He emphasizes the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant growth promotion and ecological restoration, particularly in post-mining landscapes and semi-natural grasslands. His research integrates high-throughput sequencing and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to assess global plant and soil microbial diversity. Publications Trends: His articles highlight the interplay between soil microbial communities and agricultural sustainability. Recent studies investigate the impacts of tillage practices, soil compaction, and commercial inoculants on fungal diversity. He also examines the legacy effects of land-use changes on ecosystem services and the potential of native fungi for landscape restoration. Awards: 2020 Dora Plus T1.1 short-term mobility grant 2018 IAVS Travel grant for symposium participation 2018 Third place in 'Quarrie Life' European project competition 2016 Third place in Tallinn University thesis competition Advising & Grants: Vahter supervises three doctoral and three master’s students, focusing on topics like regenerative agriculture and soil health indicators. He has led or contributed to grants totaling over 1.3 million EUR, including projects on agroecology, soil biodiversity, and sustainable farming. Current roles include leading the 'Development of a fatty acid biomarker based soil health indicator' initiative and co-leading the 'FUNFARM' project. Labs & Teams: Active in research networks like the European COST Action FP1305 and collaborates with institutions such as the Estonian Research Council and the Archimedes Foundation. He is a board member of the Estonian Soil Science Society and participates in global initiatives like the Global Soil Biodiversity Conference.

Cori Richards ZawackiView profile

Professor

• Amphibian Ecology
• Disease Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Cori Richards Zawacki serves as Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and Director of the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, a biological field station on Lake Pymatuning in Northwest Pennsylvania. Her leadership facilitates diverse water-related research while advancing amphibian conservation science. Her academic training includes a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and BS in Biology/Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, followed by postdoctoral work at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and UC Berkeley. Dr. Richards-Zawacki's research centers on amphibian disease ecology and evolutionary resilience , with primary focus on Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis pathogenesis. Her lab investigates: Host-pathogen-environment interactions at population scales Climate change impacts on amphibian development and immunity Evolutionary mechanisms of reproductive isolation Conservation strategies for endangered amphibians Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal strong emphasis on disease resilience mechanisms , molecular detection tools , and multi-scale environmental drivers . Key trends include integration of CRISPR diagnostics, eDNA monitoring, and cross-scale resilience frameworks. She actively recruits undergraduate and graduate students for field and laboratory research through the Richards-Zawacki Lab, which operates under the Resilience Institute Bridging Biological Training and Research. The lab maintains critical infrastructure at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology for long-term amphibian studies.

Santiago HerreraView profile

Associate Professor

• Deep Sea Molecular Ecology
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) Biodiversity
• Evolution and Behavior
• +2 more

Santiago Herrera serves as Associate Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Lehigh University, where he leads the Deep-Sea Molecular Ecology Lab. His interdisciplinary research bridges oceanography, molecular biology, and computational analysis to study deep-sea ecosystems. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and the Argentine Deep-Sea Studies Group (GEMPA), he has participated in over 45 oceanographic expeditions spanning all major ocean basins. His research focuses on deep-sea molecular ecology , environmental DNA biodiversity , and evolutionary processes in extreme marine environments. Herrera's lab employs high-throughput omics techniques, oceanographic field work, and computational modeling to investigate how environmental variability shapes deep-sea biodiversity across temporal and spatial scales. Current projects emphasize eDNA applications, comparative genomics, and ecosystem responses to anthropogenic stressors. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on Developing molecular tools for coral biodiversity assessment Understanding connectivity in deep-sea populations through physical-biological modeling Characterizing symbiotic relationships in extreme environments Assessing impacts of climate change and pollution on deep-sea ecosystems Scientific recognition includes: Early-Career Research Fellowship from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Faculty Research Award from Lehigh's College of Arts and Sciences Frank Hook Professorship Herrera actively mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers, with former students pursuing advanced degrees at institutions including Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School, and Texas A&M University. His lab collaborates extensively with physical oceanographers, geochemists, and resource managers to address conservation challenges in vulnerable marine ecosystems. Current fieldwork includes expeditions to the Juan de Fuca Ridge, Mar del Plata Canyon, and American Samoa using submersibles like HOV Alvin and ROV SuBastian.

Oliver Sven KerstenView profile

Research Fellow

• Marine Genomics
• Conservation Biology
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• +6 more

Oliver Sven Kersten is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo. He is currently investigating the effects of marine exploitation on marine mammals and fish using ancient DNA from archaeological and museum specimens. His work combines palaeogenomics, ecology, and bioinformatics to study population genomics of marine species. Previously, he completed a PhD at CEES (2018–2023) on conservation genomics of the Atlantic Puffin and served as a laboratory technician and manager in the ancient DNA lab. He holds a M.Sc. in Marine Sciences and B.S. in Marine Biology from Hawaii Pacific University, with prior research on abyssal zooplankton using metabarcoding. Research interests span marine genomics, conservation biology, ancient DNA analysis, and population genomics. His work bridges disciplines to address ecological and evolutionary questions using genomic, isotopic, and zooarchaeological data. Key themes include climate change impacts on Arctic avian populations, historical population genetics of marine species, and deep-sea biodiversity studies using environmental DNA. Publications reflect a focus on integrating ancient DNA with modern ecological data to understand long-term population dynamics of marine organisms. Recent work highlights applications in conservation genetics, such as revealing hybridization patterns in puffins and demographic declines in bluefin tuna. His technical expertise includes aDNA lab management, whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis of large-scale genomic datasets. Labs/Teams: On-site manager of the aDNA lab at CEES, contributing to multinational projects like the 4-Oceans H2020 initiative. His research also involves collaborations in the MedPlag group and MedPlag-associated projects.

Jenny DavisView profile

Professor

• Freshwater Ecology
• Groundwater Ecosystems
• Arid Zone Biodiversity
• +3 more

Professor Jenny Davis is a leading environmental scientist specializing in freshwater ecology at Charles Darwin University, affiliated with the College of Engineering, IT and Environment and the Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods. Her research focuses on groundwater-dependent ecosystems in arid, semi-arid, and tropical regions, addressing critical questions about environmental water needs and biodiversity conservation. She has been involved in six major research projects, including climate change risk assessments in Northern Territory ecosystems and the Beetaloo GBA Baseline Survey Program. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to life on land and water conservation. Awards: Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Supervision (2004), Australian Society for Limnology Medal (2006) Grants/Projects: Over $3 million in funding for initiatives such as groundwater security projects and water security programs in Northern Australia. Her research emphasizes the role of groundwater refugia and the impacts of climate change on arid zone biodiversity. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and technical reports, advancing knowledge in freshwater ecology and sustainable resource management.

• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• Epigenetics
• DNA Methylation
• +7 more

Sebastian Rauschert is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia. His research bridges marine molecular ecology and human epigenetics, contributing significantly to environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies and developmental health sciences. His research interests include: Environmental DNA (eDNA) and marine biodiversity monitoring Epigenetics and DNA methylation, particularly in maternal-offspring health CRISPR-Cas applications in environmental and biomedical research Bioinformatics and metagenomic data analysis Public health genomics and developmental origins of disease His recent publications highlight a strong trend in applying cutting-edge molecular tools—such as CRISPR-based enrichment and high-throughput sequencing—to both ecological monitoring and human cohort studies. His work spans marine vertebrate classification, genome assembly, and epigenetic impacts of maternal factors on offspring, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach across environmental and biomedical sciences. He has contributed to major collaborative projects including the LifeCycle Project - EU Child Cohort Network, indicating active engagement in international research networks. While no specific grants or advising roles are detailed in the text, his co-authorship on high-impact papers suggests involvement in funded research programs. Sebastian Rauschert is affiliated with the UWA Oceans Institute, a leading center for marine and coastal research, where he contributes to advancing molecular tools for ocean and human health monitoring.