Martin Mayer serves as Associate Professor at the University of Inland Norway within the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology and the Department of Forestry and Outback Studies. Based at the Evenstad study location, his research focuses on large mammal ecology in human-dominated landscapes across Scandinavia and Europe. His primary research interests center on Wildlife Ecology and Large Mammal Conservation , with particular emphasis on human-wildlife conflict resolution, road ecology, and carnivore management. Mayer investigates how species like moose, deer, and beavers adapt to anthropogenic landscapes through habitat selection, movement patterns, and population dynamics. His work integrates cutting-edge methodologies including GPS telemetry, drone surveillance, and citizen science data to address conservation challenges in agricultural and urban settings. Analysis of Mayer's recent publications reveals strong trends in using roadkill data for population monitoring, examining spatial constraints on wildlife movement, and developing mitigation strategies for human-wildlife conflicts. His research increasingly incorporates cross-border European perspectives on wildlife management while maintaining a strong foundation in Scandinavian field ecology. Mayer actively contributes to the LARGE research group (ecology of large animals), which conducts field studies on ungulate behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and landscape-scale conservation planning in Norway's boreal ecosystems.
Saumik Basu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia (UGA), based at the Tifton Campus within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on developing sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for vegetable crops in South Georgia. He leads the Vegetable Entomology Lab, which investigates pest complexes like whiteflies, diamondback moths, and pepper weevils, along with their interactions with plant pathogens. His work emphasizes molecular ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and the role of abiotic factors (e.g., climate, soil microbiota) in pest management. Education: B.S. in Human Physiology, University of Calcutta M.S. in Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati University Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Virology, Jawaharlal Nehru University Postdoctoral Research: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Washington State University (WSU) Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of plant-insect interactions Sustainable IPM for vegetable pests Plant defense signaling and phytohormonal crosstalk Impact of soil microbiota on pest-pathogen dynamics Climate change effects on agroecosystems Lab & Collaborations: The lab collaborates with county extension agents, growers, and other research groups to translate findings into practical solutions. Current projects address pest attack order effects on plant defenses and the role of biopesticides like Metarhizium fungus. Graduate students and postdocs work on topics such as soil amendments for pest resistance and vector-borne disease transmission. Advising & Grants: Advises Ph.D. candidate Sourav Pal and M.S. student Rajesh Udavant. Technical staff includes Charles Laney Gruver, an expert in field trials and insect rearing. Undergraduate Alexis Crossgrove supports lab activities. Labs/Teams: Vegetable Entomology Lab (UGA), previously affiliated with Molecular Plant Sciences at WSU.
Dr. Bok Sowell is a Professor in the Department of Animal & Range Sciences at Montana State University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture. His expertise spans rangeland ecology, wildlife habitat conservation, and livestock nutrition. He holds a Ph.D. in Range Nutrition from New Mexico State University (1989), an M.S. in Mule Deer Nutrition from Texas Tech University (1981), and a B.S. in Wildlife Management from New Mexico State University (1978). Research focuses on sagebrush ecosystems, sage-grouse conservation, grizzly bear behavior, and livestock grazing management. Notable projects include studies on fence modifications for sage-grouse nest survival, stable isotope analysis of army cutworm moths, and dormant season grazing strategies for beef cattle. Teaching includes courses like Natural Resource Conservation and Wildlife-Livestock Nutrition . Over 35 peer-reviewed articles highlight contributions to rangeland ecology and wildlife management. Awards include the 2024 Founder's Day Award for Excellence and recognition for academic advising. Grants include funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for sagebrush landscape management. Professional service includes roles with the Society for Range Management and Ecosphere journal. He leads efforts to restore aspen ecosystems and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Prof. Dr. J. Ellers is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , and a member of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment . His research focuses on understanding how an individual’s phenotype is shaped by interactions between genes, genome, and environment , employing molecular, physiological, and experimental tools within an evolutionary framework. Ellers contributes to the Netherlands Society of Evolutionary Biology (NLSEB) as a co-founder and serves as Vice-Chair of the Dutch Biology Council , advocating for biology research and education in the Netherlands. Research Interests: Ellers explores the intersection of evolutionary biology, ecology, and environmental science , with key themes in phenotypic plasticity, urbanization effects on species, trait-based ecology, and adaptive signaling . His work spans soil fauna dynamics, invasive species impacts, and metabolic adaptations , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to link mechanisms with ecological and evolutionary outcomes. Recent Publications highlight trends in urban ecology, climate change impacts, and trait evolution . Notable studies examine how noise and light pollution alter animal communication , high-sugar diets affect microbiomes , and robot morphologies reflect biological systems . His research also addresses data interoperability through initiatives like ShareTrait and global soil arthropod assessments . Scientific Contributions: Ellers advocates for open-access publishing and interdisciplinary climate change experiments. His leadership in the Dutch Biology Council and co-founding of NLSEB reflect sustained commitment to scientific policy and community engagement. Supervised 23 PhD theses and teaching courses like Ecosystem Services and Scientific Advocacy underscore his mentorship and educational impact.
Çağlar Akçay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of Washington, alongside an MA in Cognition and Perception and a BS in Biology and Psychology from Middle East Technical University. His research focuses on behavioral ecology, particularly the evolution of animal communication and social cognition in songbirds. He investigates how animals adapt to anthropogenic environments, including effects of urbanization on signaling and aggression. Key research areas include animal communication systems, social interactions mediated by vocal signals, and the impact of environmental changes on behavior. He leads the Bird Lab, studying the interplay between communication and social behavior in birds, with projects on Darwin’s finches and song sparrow territorial dynamics. His work emphasizes field studies combined with experimental approaches, such as acoustic manipulations and observational tracking. Member of the Behavioral Ecology Research Group Recipient of Turkish Science Academy Early Career Fellowship (2019-2021) Teaching responsibilities include BSc programs in Animal Behaviour and Zoology, and an MSc in Animal Behaviour Applications for Conservation Recent publications highlight topics like survival processing effects in memory, avian behavioral plasticity in urban settings, and the role of acoustic signals in territorial disputes. His interdisciplinary work bridges ecology, cognition, and conservation, with a focus on translating findings into wildlife management strategies.
Shinichi Nakagawa is a Professor of Evolutionary Ecology and Synthesis at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences Department. He holds the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Open Science and Synthesis in Ecology and Evolution. His research focuses on quantifying biological variation through meta-analysis and synthesis, with a strong emphasis on open science practices. He leads a lab that explores topics in ecology, evolutionary biology, and environmental sciences, while also advancing meta-science to improve research transparency and reproducibility. Dr. Nakagawa earned his BSc(Hons) at the University of Waikato and PhD at the University of Sheffield. He previously held positions at the University of Otago (2008–2015) and the University of New South Wales (2015–2024). He is the founder of EcoEvoRxiv, a preprint server for ecology and evolution, and actively promotes open science through initiatives like the Society for Open, Reliable, Transparent Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (SORTEE). His research interests include quantitative ecology, statistical methodology for meta-analysis, and understanding biological variability. Key areas of focus include thermal physiology in ectotherms, sexual selection, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. He has authored influential papers on meta-analytic techniques, including location-scale models and variance-based analyses. Notable contributions include the development of the 'orchard plot' visualization tool for meta-analyses and advocacy for preregistration and open data practices. His work bridges ecological theory with data synthesis, emphasizing reproducibility and methodological rigor. Awards include the Canada Excellence Research Chair, recognizing his leadership in advancing open science and ecological synthesis.
Associate Professor Angus Campbell is an academic veterinarian and epidemiologist affiliated with the University of Melbourne's Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, where he leads the One Health initiative. His expertise spans One Health frameworks, zoonotic disease control, and sustainable livestock production. With over 20 years of experience, he focuses on integrating veterinary, agricultural, and public health approaches to address global challenges such as zoonoses, food security, and rural livelihoods. His research emphasizes systems-based solutions for livestock health and management, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. Key areas include improving smallholder livestock productivity, mitigating disease risks between humans and animals, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Campbell collaborates with farmers, agribusinesses, and international organizations to design context-specific interventions. Recent work includes studies on rabies control in Indonesia, brucellosis in Pakistan, and zoonotic disease perceptions among livestock workers in Myanmar. His contributions highlight the interplay between livestock health, environmental sustainability, and human well-being, advocating for holistic approaches that transcend disciplinary boundaries. While no specific awards or grants are listed, his extensive consultancy and teaching roles reflect his commitment to practical, evidence-based solutions. Campbell’s research often involves field-based analyses of livestock systems, emphasizing farmer participation and adaptive management strategies.
Matthew E. Wolak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, where he leads a research group focused on evolutionary ecology and quantitative genetics. His work bridges empirical field studies, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to understand how natural selection and inheritance shape phenotypic variation across generations. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Riverside (2013) B.Sc., The College of William and Mary (2007) His research interests center on ecology, evolution, and quantitative methods, particularly in understanding individual differences in morphology, performance, and behavior, and how these affect survival, mating success, and reproductive output. He investigates sexual dimorphism, inbreeding, genetic variance, and the evolutionary consequences of environmental change using both theoretical and data-driven approaches. His recent publications span top-tier journals and reveal a strong focus on meta-analysis, animal models, genetic inheritance, and conservation applications. Themes across his work include the genetic architecture of fitness, repeatability of behavior, and responses to anthropogenic pressures such as urbanization and climate change. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award ($1.2 million) Dr. Wolak actively mentors students, as evidenced by his guidance of PhD candidates like Molly and Jorge. His research is supported by significant grants, including the NSF CAREER award, reflecting national recognition of his contributions. He teaches courses such as Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He is affiliated with the Wolak Research Group at Auburn University, which emphasizes scientific integrity, inclusivity, and collaborative research. The lab fosters a supportive environment committed to equity and academic excellence in evolutionary ecology.
Nora H Prior, PhD, is a Senior Research Associate in the Psychology Department at Cornell University, focusing on sensory systems, social behavior, and neurogenomics. Her research team explores avian behavioral neuroscience, with expertise in neuroendocrinology, bioacoustics, and comparative psychology. 2020-2021: Sessional Instructor & course designer, University of British Columbia 2018-2021: Postdoctoral Associate, Avian Behavioral Neuroscience Lab (University of Maryland) 2016-2018: Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Comparative and Evolutionary Biology of Hearing (University of Maryland) 2015: Postdoctoral Fellow, Neuroethology & Bioacoustics Lab (University of Lyon) 2009-2014: PhD Candidate (University of British Columbia) Her research combines neuroendocrinology, bioacoustics, and behavioral ecology to study avian communication, pair bonding, and neurogenomic responses to environmental stressors. Key topics include: Acoustic fine structure in zebra finch communication Neuroendocrine regulation of monogamy and aggression Effects of water restriction on vocal behavior Differential gene expression in extreme physiological states Temporal processing of vocal sequences Perceptual limitations in avian cognition While her publications span from 2010-2025, recent work emphasizes methodological rigor in neuroscience research, environmental impacts on brain development, and neurogenomic resilience in wild birds. Her 2025 paper on Science Democratization addresses systemic challenges in behavioral neuroscience.
Professor Robert Brooks is a Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales , affiliated with the Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and leading the SEX LAB . His research spans evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary psychology. Key affiliations: UNSW, Evolution & Ecology Research Centre Research focus: Evolutionary consequences of sex, sexual selection, human aging, gender dynamics, and technological impacts on mating Research Interests include: Mate choice and sexual conflict Evolution of attractiveness costs Sex differences in aging and longevity Intersection of evolution and economics Human life history evolution Evolutionary perspectives on social issues (obesity, feminism, technology) Recent Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work: behavioral ecology in Proceedings of the Royal Society B , evolutionary psychology in Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology , and socioecological analysis in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution . Themes include mating systems, human behavioral patterns, and reproductive trade-offs. Awards: 2012 Queensland Literary Award for Science Writing 2013 Eureka Prize for Communicating Science Contact: rob.brooks@unsw.edu.au
Dan Catlin is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), within the College of Natural Resources and Environment. His research focuses on quantitative ecology, particularly the conservation of threatened shorebirds like piping plovers and least terns. He holds a B.A. from Hamilton College (2001), an M.S. from Oregon State University (2004), and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (2009). Research interests include shorebird demography, habitat management impacts on survival, and the effects of climate change, human activity, and natural disasters on species recovery. Current projects involve Missouri River shorebird dynamics, Niobrara River plover habitat, and winter survival factors for piping plovers in Georgia/South Carolina. He collaborates on studies assessing hurricane-induced habitat changes and predator control strategies. Publications span over 20 years, emphasizing shorebird ecology, habitat modeling, and conservation strategies. His work integrates field data with Bayesian networks and spatial analysis tools. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his contributions to endangered species management are notable. Advising and grants: While no students are listed, his projects imply collaborative research teams. The Virginia Tech Shorebird Program is a key platform for his fieldwork and outreach efforts.
Eli D. Strauss is a behavioral ecologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Konstanz. He will transition to an Assistant Professor position at the Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University in late 2025. His research focuses on the evolution of stable social systems, particularly in spotted hyenas, analyzing how individual behaviors and relationships shape group-level dynamics. Strauss employs field experiments, computational techniques, and long-term observational data to study dominance hierarchies, social inequality, and the interplay between individual experiences and collective behaviors. Research Interests : Strauss investigates how societies emerge from individual interactions, emphasizing long-term perspectives. Key themes include dominance hierarchy dynamics, social inheritance, and the ecological drivers of social behavior. His work bridges behavioral ecology with computational methods, addressing questions about social structure stability and evolutionary adaptations. Key Projects : Co-director of the Mara Hyena Project in Kenya, a long-term study on hyena behavior and ecology. Developing methodologies for longitudinal studies of dominance hierarchies, including frameworks for analyzing hierarchy dynamics across timescales. His computational tools (e.g., DynaRankR ) are widely used for dominance inference. Upcoming Initiatives : Establishing a lab at Michigan State University focusing on social behavior and collective ecology. Recruiting graduate students and postdocs to study social systems, computational ecology, and animal behavior.
Donato Romano serves as Associate Professor at The BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy, where he coordinates the Bio-Robotic Ecosystems Lab and co-founded the spin-off company HUBILIFE srl. His interdisciplinary work bridges robotics, biology, and AI to develop biohybrid systems for biodiversity preservation, sustainable environmental management, and life support in extreme scenarios including space exploration. With over 90 publications and an H-index of 27 (Scopus, March 2025), he has established significant academic leadership through editorial roles across 12+ international journals. Romano's educational foundation includes advanced degrees with honors: an M.Sc. in Agriculture Science and Technologies (2014) and a PhD in BioRobotics (2018), both from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna. His academic journey includes visiting scholar positions at Khalifa University and substantial industry-academia collaboration through HUBILIFE srl, which commercializes bioinspired devices for human daily life improvement. His research program focuses on bioinspired and biomimetic robotics with particular emphasis on animal-robot interaction, biohybrid systems, and natural intelligence. Key projects address critical global challenges: SENSORBEES develops biohybrid environmental surveillance for ecological monitoring; REGOLIFE investigates lunar soil-terrestrial organism interactions for space agriculture; and OCEAN ROBOCTO explores marine ecosystem solutions. This work demonstrates a strategic progression from fundamental behavioral studies toward applied ecological and extraterrestrial systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong trends in AI-driven behavioral analysis, with deep learning increasingly applied to entomological studies and pest management. The research spans agricultural applications (precision monitoring traps, larval detection systems), ecological conservation (biodiversity surveillance), and extreme-environment adaptation (lunar regolith studies). A distinctive feature is the consistent integration of biohybrid approaches where living organisms and robotic systems create synergistic capabilities exceeding either component alone. Romano's scientific recognition includes election as Junior Fellow of the Italian Academy of Engineering and Technology (2025), the Lucani fuori dal Comune award (2024), and multiple best-thesis prizes. His editorial leadership spans high-impact journals including IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics and Pest Management Science, where he serves as Associate Editor. As principal investigator, Romano coordinates major international projects totaling over €15M in funding: HORIZON-EIC's SENSORBEES (2024-2029), ASI's REGOLIFE (2024-2027), National Geographic's OCEAN ROBOCTO (2024-2026), and PRIN's COSMIC (2023-2025). His teaching portfolio includes PhD courses in Biosystems for Biorobotics and M.Sc. instruction in Bionics Engineering at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and University of Pisa. The Bio-Robotic Ecosystems Lab under Romano's direction pioneers biohybrid technologies where living organisms and robotic systems create integrated solutions. Current initiatives include SENSORBEES' environmental monitoring swarms, REGOLIFE's moonworm colonization systems, and HUBILIFE's commercial vector-control devices. The lab maintains active collaborations with space agencies, agricultural institutes, and conservation organizations, positioning biohybrid systems as next-generation tools for planetary-scale challenges.
David A. Aborn is a Professor in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC). His primary research focuses on bird migration, urban ecology, and conservation, particularly studying stopover biology, habitat selection in urban environments, and the effects of urbanization on avian populations. He holds a PhD in Biological Science from the University of Southern Mississippi (1996), an MS in Zoology from Clemson University (1989), and a BS in Zoology from Clemson University (1985). His work integrates field studies, telemetry, and citizen science to address ecological questions. Dr. Aborn’s research projects include assessing urban greenspaces as stopover sites for migratory birds, studying overwintering Sandhill Cranes, and investigating the breeding biology of Tree Swallows. He has received grants totaling over $595,000 from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. His publications span 40+ articles in journals such as Nature Ecology and Evolution , Wilson Journal of Ornithology , and Southeastern Naturalist , with a focus on avian behavior, habitat use, and conservation challenges. Key research trends in his articles include urban birdstopover dynamics, stress physiology in migratory species, and invasive species impacts. He serves on committees for UTC’s Environmental Task Force, Reappointment, and Promotion. As a certified Master Bird Bander (USGS), he actively engages in public outreach through roles like Chattanooga Audubon Society board member and frequent guest lectures at local schools and organizations. Dr. Aborn advises the UTC Wildlife Zoology Club and coordinates graduate programs in Environmental Science. His work bridges academic research with applied conservation, emphasizing the role of urban ecosystems in avian survival and biodiversity preservation.
Dr. Katja Wehner is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Biology at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, specializing in soil arthropod ecology with a focus on oribatid mite communities across forest microhabitats including litter, soil, dead wood, and tree bark. Her work examines their role in forest food webs and responses to environmental stressors. Education: PhD in Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt (2009). Dissertation: 'Parthenogenesis and Sexuality in Oribatid Mites' Diploma in Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt (2004). Thesis: 'Variability at the hsp82-locus of the parthenogenetic oribatid mite Platynothrus peltifer' Research Focus: Dr. Wehner investigates biotic interactions and acarological dynamics in Central European forests, emphasizing how land-use intensity, drought, and structural factors shape oribatid mite biodiversity. Her work integrates community ecology, soil science, and microhabitat specialization to understand ecosystem resilience and food-web interactions, with particular attention to parthenogenetic versus sexual reproduction strategies in microarthropods. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2018-2022) reveal a strong emphasis on anthropogenic impacts, including land-use change effects on aboveground-belowground linkages, drought/storm damage consequences for soil communities, and microhabitat-driven variations in mite sex ratios and seasonal dynamics. Her collaborative work in journals like Nature Communications and Global Ecology and Conservation demonstrates methodological integration of field surveys, controlled experiments, and multi-taxon analyses. Collaborative Networks: Dr. Wehner actively participates in large-scale ecological initiatives including the Biodiversity Exploratories project, collaborating with researchers from institutions like the Technical University of Munich and University of Würzburg on cross-taxa biodiversity studies. Her co-authorship on multi-investigator papers indicates strong engagement with Germany's ecological research infrastructure.
