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Mark HendersonView profile

Research Professor

• Fish Population Modeling
• Climate Change Impacts
• Fisheries Management
• +7 more

Mark Henderson is the Unit Leader of the VT Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont. Previously, he served as Acting Unit Leader at the California Cooperative Research Unit for six years. As a quantitative ecologist, he focuses on fisheries management using advanced modeling approaches to study fish-environment interactions and climate change impacts. His research emphasizes salmon population dynamics, habitat availability, and species distribution shifts under environmental changes. Education includes a Ph.D. in Marine Science (Fisheries Science) from the College of William and Mary (2012), an M.Sc. in Aquatic and Fishery Science from the University of Washington (2005), and a B.S. in Biology from SUNY Geneseo (2000). Research interests span fish population modeling, food web ecology, environmental DNA (eDNA), acoustic telemetry, and mark-recapture methods. His lab investigates salmon life stages, restoration effects on growth and survival, and predator-prey interactions in freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments. Recent work includes evaluating climate vulnerability of managed stocks and advancing habitat modeling for conservation. Key contributions include studies on Chinook salmon outmigration survival, predator density estimation via Mobile DIDSON surveys, and developing life cycle models for estuary residency. His work bridges applied ecology and conservation, addressing challenges in fisheries management under climate change.

Stephen HarrisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Genomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Urban Ecology
• +4 more

Dr. Stephen Harris is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Purchase College, SUNY, within the School of Natural and Social Sciences. His research focuses on genomics, environmental change, and urban ecology, employing cutting-edge techniques like Oxford Nanopore sequencing. He holds a BS from Ohio State University, an MA from City College of New York, and a PhD from the CUNY Graduate Center. Prior to his faculty role, he conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University, Metabiota, and Stanford University, exploring topics ranging from snapping shrimp eusociality to viral diversity in tropical wildlife. Dr. Harris’s research interests include environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding to study biodiversity, democratizing science through portable sequencing tools, and co-founding Science-Corps, a nonprofit enhancing global science education. His work spans field studies in NYC, Florida Keys, Belize, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Notable awards include NSF grants, the Fishbein Junior Faculty Award, and the Robert O. Fehr Research Professorship. His publications highlight urban ecology, molecular analysis of wildlife trade, and viral genomics. He teaches courses like Cell Biology and Molecular Biology, emphasizing hands-on genomic techniques for undergraduates. Current projects include investigating holobiont evolution in duck symbionts and exploring viral diversity in bat and rodent populations.

David M. LodgeView profile

Professor

• Community Ecology
• Population Biology
• Sustainability
• +6 more

David M. Lodge is a Professor at Cornell University, serving as the first Francis J. DiSalvo Director of the Atkinson Center for Sustainability. His academic home is in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with joint appointments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences. Lodge leads research on biological invasions, freshwater ecosystems, and environmental policy, focusing on invasive species, climate change, and sustainable resource management. Education : Ph.D., University of Oxford (1982) B.S., The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee (1982) Research Interests : Lodge’s work bridges ecology and policy, addressing global challenges like invasive species (e.g., Asian carp, zebra mussels), environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance, and freshwater biodiversity conservation. He emphasizes ecological forecasting for risk assessment and policy development, collaborating with economists, NGOs (e.g., The Nature Conservancy), and international bodies like NOAA and the United Nations. Key Contributions : Developed the University of Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), advised U.S. Congress and federal agencies, and pioneered eDNA techniques for invasive species detection. Current projects include invasive species prevention in the Great Lakes and interdisciplinary studies linking ecology with human perceptions. Grants & Collaborations : Funded by NSF, EPA, NOAA Sea Grant, USDA, and the U.S. Department of Education. Collaborates globally, including fieldwork in Michigan, North Carolina, Denmark, and Kenya. His Lodge Lab focuses on eDNA technology, ecological forecasting, and invasive species management. Labs & Teams : Directs the Lodge Lab at Cornell and previously led ND-ECI. Engages in cross-disciplinary teams (e.g., ecologists, economists, philosophers) to address complex environmental-human nexus issues.

Maris GoodwinView profile

Research Fellow

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding
• Fish Community Ecology
• Estuarine Ecosystems
• +3 more

Maris Goodwin (she/her) is an M.S. student and Rasmuson Fellow at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in the Department of Fisheries. Her research focuses on using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to analyze fish community composition in glacial estuaries like Lynn Canal and Kachemak Bay. Education: B.S. in Organismal Biology and Ecology from Middle Tennessee State University (2021) A.S. in Biology from Columbia State Community College (2019) Maris combines molecular tools with conventional sampling to study biodiversity patterns across seasons and regions, investigating how environmental factors such as salinity, temperature, and turbidity shape estuarine fish communities. Her work aims to demonstrate metabarcoding as an effective tool for ecosystem monitoring. Scientific Awards: Rasmuson Fellow Her career goals include roles in genetics education and environmental DNA science, with specialties in bioinformatics and R graphic design. Maris is part of the SALMONg project (Sovereign Autonomy for Long-term Monitoring of Non-human genes).

Anthony CharitonView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental DNA Research
• Aquatic Ecology
• Community Ecology
• +3 more

Dr Anthony Chariton is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, Australia. He leads the Environmental e(DNA) and Biomonitoring Lab, pioneering environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem monitoring. His work integrates 'omic' technologies with traditional ecology to assess community responses to environmental stressors, including anthropogenic impacts like pollution and climate change. Chariton’s research focuses on sedimentary and groundwater ecosystems, leveraging eDNA to track taxa distribution—from fish in aquatic systems to mammals via leeches and mosquitoes. He has contributed to global guidelines, including the revised Australian and New Zealand Sediment Quality Guidelines, and served as President of the Society of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Australasia. His mid-career research was recognized with their prestigious Mid-Career Researcher Medal in 2020. Key projects include using mosquito DNA to detect mammals in semi-arid regions, establishing groundwater health indices in the Murray-Darling Basin, and developing data governance frameworks. Chariton’s interdisciplinary collaborations span environmental chemistry, microbiology, and remote sensing, with over 94 publications and 2,454 citations. His work bridges academic research and practical applications, aiding regulators and industries in adopting eDNA tools for ecosystem management. Recent trends in his articles emphasize satellite-based eDNA monitoring, microbial community responses to stressors, and innovative sampling methods in groundwater systems.

• Peatland Palaeoecology
• Neodymium Isotopes
• Fire History Reconstruction
• +3 more

Katarzyna Marcisz is a Polish palaeoecologist affiliated with Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań . Her research focuses on reconstructing environmental changes using peatland archives, with expertise in isotope geochemistry, testate amoebae analysis, and fire history modeling. Lead author on Neodymium isotope studies in peatlands Developed continental-scale testate amoebae transfer functions Recipient of multiple National Science Centre (Poland) grants Research Highlights: Her work spans three key areas: Peatland Dynamics: Investigated hydrological stability over the Holocene using high-resolution 14 C and 210 Pb dating Fire Ecology: Quantified fire activity interactions with vegetation across European lowlands and alpine regions Isotope Tracing: Advanced Nd isotopes as local environmental disturbance indicators in peat records Recent publications emphasize: Carbon sequestration potential in kettle-hole peatlands Human-climate interactions in fire regimes Testate amoebae as bioindicators for ecosystem changes Key methodological contributions include improving dating resolution in ombrotrophic peat profiles and developing eDNA metabarcoding applications for palaeoecological studies.

• Biodiversity
• Metagenomics
• Marine Biology
• +3 more

Priscila Goncalves is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia. Her research focuses on biodiversity, metagenomics, and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis with applications in marine vertebrate ecology and genomics. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through her work in ecological monitoring and genetic resource management. Research Interests: Genome assembly of marine species CRISPR-driven eDNA enrichment techniques Marine biodiversity assessment using bioinformatics Metagenomic analysis of aquatic ecosystems Recent publications highlight advancements in eDNA taxonomic classification, fish genome assembly, and CRISPR-based methods for environmental DNA processing. Her work bridges molecular biology and ecological conservation, with collaborations spanning international research teams. Collaborations include global partnerships in marine genomics and metabarcoding, contributing to high-impact journals like Molecular Ecology Resources and CRISPR Journal.

• Marine Geology
• Climate Change Science
• Oceanography
• +5 more

James Scourse is a Professor of Earth Systems Science and Head of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus. He holds a ScD from the University of Cambridge (2023) and has led departments at Exeter since 2017. His career spans roles at Bangor University (1985-2017) where he became a Professor of Marine Geology. He specializes in Quaternary stratigraphy, glacial dynamics, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Education: MA (Oxford, 1980), PhD (Cambridge, 1985), ScD (Cambridge, 2023) Leadership: President of the Quaternary Research Association (2008-2011), Director of the Climate Change Consortium of Wales (2011-2016) Awards: Royal Society-Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2008-2009), Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (2014) His research focuses on marine geology, climate change, and oceanography, with emphasis on glacial retreat, isotope geochemistry, and bivalve-based climate proxies. He has pioneered methods like amino acid geochronology and utilized ancient DNA to reconstruct marine ecosystems. His work addresses societal challenges like climate action (SDG 13) and ocean conservation (SDG 14). Recent projects include studying iceberg calving dynamics, Antarctic marine biodiversity baselines, and the socio-environmental impacts of industrial whaling. He advocates for expanded ocean monitoring networks like OneArgo to improve climate resilience.

Ben BrammellView profile

Professor

• Environmental Biology
• Ecotoxicology
• Molecular Ecology
• +3 more

Ben Brammell is a Professor of Biology at Asbury University, where he teaches courses such as Introductory Biology, Aquatic and Wetland Biology, and leads the Biogeography of the Galapagos Islands field course. His research focuses on environmental DNA (eDNA) methodologies for detecting cryptic species, particularly amphibians and fish, combining molecular techniques with field studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Kentucky, a M.S. from Tennessee Technological University, and a B.S. from Eastern Kentucky University. His lab's work emphasizes eDNA applications for biodiversity assessment and conservation, including projects on salamander detection in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and eDNA metabarcoding for freshwater ecosystems. Recent grants include funding from the Kentucky Academy of Science, USGS, and the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association. Brammell has advised numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom co-author publications on topics like PCR assay development and species-specific detection methods. Key scientific contributions include validating eDNA protocols for fossorial salamanders, Fantail darters, and rare species such as Eurycea junaluska . He has presented at conferences including the Kentucky Academy of Science and the Tennessee Herpetological Society, showcasing collaborative efforts with students and colleagues. The Brammell Lab website ( brammelllab.com ) provides further details on ongoing research and educational initiatives.

Alexander EilerView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Environmental DNA
• +6 more

Alexander Eiler is a Professor at the University of Oslo's Institute of Biosciences, working within the Center for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene. His research integrates microbial ecology with biogeochemical processes to understand how microorganisms shape aquatic ecosystems and influence greenhouse gas dynamics in the context of climate change. His work combines advanced molecular techniques with traditional biogeochemical approaches to develop more predictive ecological frameworks. Dr. Eiler's research interests focus on microbial community dynamics in aquatic environments, particularly examining how microbes facilitate the storage, transport, and turnover of key elements that influence greenhouse gas production and water quality. His work spans diverse ecosystems from boreal lakes to thawing permafrost regions, addressing critical questions about climate change impacts on microbial processes. He employs cutting-edge approaches including environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, metagenomics, and stable isotope tracer studies to investigate microbial food webs and biogeochemical transformations. His recent publications reveal strong trends in climate change research, particularly examining microbial responses to permafrost thaw, glacial retreat, and anthropogenic disturbances. His work increasingly focuses on the intersection of microbial ecology with practical applications for environmental monitoring, conservation, and understanding climate feedback mechanisms. The research spans from fundamental microbial ecology to applied studies addressing antibiotic resistance, waste management, and water quality assessment. Dr. Eiler leads multiple significant research projects including Biogov (Biogeochemical processes governing boreal C cycling), Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics under anthropogenic pressures, MarMip (Impact of marine microplastics associated biofilms), and PEAT-THAW (Thawing permafrost peatlands). These projects reflect his commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research that bridges microbial ecology with climate science.

William O LampView profile

Professor

• Entomology
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Insect Ecology
• +6 more

Dr. William O. Lamp , a Professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Entomology since 1985, integrates research on insect ecology in human-altered environments with outreach and education. His work centers on: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agroecosystems Impacts of invasive species like Halyomorpha halys and Lycorma delicatula IPM and land use effects on aquatic invertebrates His Lamp Lab has produced 59 refereed publications, securing over $3M in grants as Principal Investigator. Research combines molecular, physiological, and ecosystem-level approaches to address agricultural sustainability and aquatic ecosystem health. His recent publications highlight trends in: 2025 : Insect-based food systems and parasitoid community dynamics in drainage ditches 2024 : Digital training programs for circular agriculture interns 2023 : Morphology-ecology education tools and historical entomology integration 2022 : Spotted lanternfly host analysis and ecosystem service frameworks Dr. Lamp's outreach includes the annual "Discover a Swamp" demonstration at Maryland Day since 2002, mentoring 68 undergraduates and 15 high school students , and coordinating extension efforts for pests like the kudzu bug. He has served as science editor for four National Geographic Kids insect books and teaches courses in IPM, aquatic entomology, and Insect Biodiversity: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird .

Ian ConveryView profile

Professor

• Rewilding
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Management
• +4 more

Ian Convery is a Professor at the University of Cumbria, specializing in rewilding, conservation biology, and socio-ecological systems. His research integrates ecological restoration with human communities, focusing on species reintroduction, ecosystem services, and landscape management. He co-leads projects like the Kielder Wildwood initiative and IUCN rewilding guidelines, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and policy applications. Research Interests: Convery explores the intersection of biodiversity conservation and human well-being, including: Rewilding theory and practice Human-wildlife coexistence Ecosystem service valuation Community-led conservation His publications emphasize multidisciplinary approaches to conservation, blending ecological science with social psychology and policy analysis. Recent work addresses rewilding's role in climate resilience and ethical wildlife management.

Alex LainiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecology
• Environmental Biology
• Zoology
• +4 more

Alex Laini is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin. His research focuses on ecological modeling, biodiversity assessment, and invertebrate community dynamics, with particular emphasis on dung beetles, aquatic ecosystems, and climate change impacts. Department: Life Sciences and Systems Biology University: University of Turin Laini’s work integrates DNA metabarcoding, statistical ecology, and functional trait analysis to study ecosystem services, invasion biology, and conservation strategies. His recent publications explore topics such as n-dimensional hypervolume modeling, behavioral syndromes in insects, and climate-driven shifts in riverine communities. His research leverages advanced methodologies like environmental DNA analysis and ecohydrological modeling to address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and aquatic ecosystem health. Key collaborations span European rivers, hypersaline lakes, and Mediterranean valleys, reflecting a transnational approach to ecological studies.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +3 more

Hugo Gante is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science , KU Leuven , affiliated with the Department of Biology under the Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation unit. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, biodiversity monitoring, and climate change impacts on aquatic species, with projects spanning eDNA-based diagnostics to genomic studies of fish in the Albertine Rift and Eocene warming models. Key Projects : eDNA-Optima (biodiversity assessment), Epigenetic ecotoxicology (chemical impacts on DNA), and schistosomiasis/malaria diagnostics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Research Trends : Integrates eDNA metabarcoding, phylogenetics, and genomic tools to study fish evolution, hybridization, and adaptive responses to environmental stressors. Gante serves on the Council of the Faculty of Science and the Board of the Department of Biology. He is active in teaching and supervises students like T. Maes (2024) and M. Curto (2025). His ORCID ID is 0000-0002-0321-3023 .

Matthew BarnesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biological Invasions
• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• Aquatic Ecology
• +3 more

Matthew Barnes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University, where his research focuses on forecasting biological invasions and advancing methodologies for invasive species management and ecological impact assessment. Education: B.A. in Biology (minor in Sociology) from Southwestern University Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame Research Interests: Dr. Barnes employs species distribution models, GIS, environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance, and experimental approaches to investigate aquatic invasions and human-environment interactions. His work emphasizes eDNA applications for detecting invasive species like apple snails and dreissenid mussels, with particular focus on airborne eDNA for ecosystem monitoring, eDNA kinetics in aquatic systems, and biomass-concentration relationships. Publication Trends: His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveal concentrated research on eDNA methodologies across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, invasive species detection/control (especially Pomacea maculata), and habitat conservation. Key interdisciplinary themes bridge molecular ecology, conservation biology, and spatial analysis, with growing emphasis on airborne eDNA applications for biodiversity monitoring. Teaching and Mentoring: Dr. Barnes teaches Introduction to Freshwater Ecology, Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources Management, and Natural Resources Policy to undergraduate and graduate students while actively mentoring researchers in invasive species ecology and eDNA techniques. Laboratory and Team: His research group at Texas Tech utilizes cutting-edge molecular tools and spatial modeling to address invasive species challenges, with projects spanning the Lower Pecos River ecosystem, amphibian pathogen surveillance, and innovative control strategies for aquatic invasions.