Prof. Dr. agr. Kaspar Bienefeld is an Honorary Professor at the Humboldt University of Berlin within the Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences. His research focuses on honeybee genetics, breeding optimization, and disease resistance mechanisms. Research Interests: Honeybee population genetics, Varroa mite resistance, genomic selection, and behavioral ethology. Key Contributions: Development of SNP assays for resistance traits, simulation studies for breeding schemes, and conservation strategies like Europe’s first honeybee gene bank. Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles spanning honeybee breeding, genetic parameter estimation, and stress biomarker analysis.
John Loehr is a principal investigator (PI) and research coordinator at the University of Helsinki , serving as the head of the Wildlife Ecology Research (WildER) group at Lammi Biological Station . He also coordinates the university’s Wild Animal Phenotyping Infrastructure and is a supervisor and research coordinator for multiple doctoral programs including Wildlife Biology and Interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences. Education: PhD (specific discipline not stated) Research Interests: John’s research integrates wildlife ecology , evolutionary biology , and conservation science . His work with the Eurasian lynx explores acoustic communication and landscape-scale conservation. He also investigates microevolutionary change in amphipods, facial morphology and behavior in humans, and the life-history consequences of forced migration using the MiKARELIA database. His team pioneers non-invasive wildlife monitoring and human-wildlife coexistence technologies . Scientific Contributions: John has authored or co-authored 42 peer-reviewed publications , including recent articles in Nature Ecology & Evolution , Oecologia , and Plant Ecology . His research spans acoustic ecology, forest integrity, conservation policy, and digital humanities. Awards and Outreach: Featured in national and international media for research and science communication Leads public science trails and citizen science initiatives Developed the international internship program at Lammi Biological Station Supervision and Teaching: John supervises multiple PhD and MSc students and teaches courses such as Technology in Ecological Research and Environmental Monitoring and Mammal Ecology . He is actively involved in doctoral training across interdisciplinary environmental sciences. Labs and Teams: He leads the WildER group at Lammi Biological Station and coordinates research infrastructure across the University of Helsinki. His lab uses advanced tools such as 4G trail cameras, bioacoustic recorders, and UAVs for ecological monitoring.
Faye Harwell serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Boston University, specializing in biological anthropology and primatology with a focus on orangutan biology and life history evolution. Her research bridges fieldwork in Indonesia with comparative analyses of captive and wild great ape populations. Dr. Harwell's academic background includes: Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from Boston University (2023) M.A. in Biology from Clark University B.A. in Biology from Clark University Her research program centers on sexual dimorphism in orangutan body composition, life history parameters (including age at first birth and longevity), and evolutionary endocrinology. She employs innovative field methodologies like laser photogrammetry to study wild Bornean orangutans in Gunung Palung National Park, examining morphological development, hormonal cycles, and ecological adaptations. Her work connects primate biology to broader questions in human evolution and fossil hominin analysis. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals consistent thematic focus on orangutan biology, with dominant threads in sexual dimorphism (particularly male bimaturism and flanging processes), life history theory, and methodological innovation in non-invasive measurement techniques. Her scholarship integrates biological anthropology, conservation science, and evolutionary biology to address questions about great ape evolution and implications for understanding hominin fossil records. No documented scientific awards or fellowships were identified in available sources. Dr. Harwell teaches specialized courses including AN 558: Human Sex Differences and AN 559: Evolutionary Endocrinology. While specific grant details and graduate student mentorship records aren't publicly documented, her active publication record and fieldwork involvement suggest ongoing research collaborations. She participates in professional communities such as the Northeastern Evolutionary Primatologists (NEEP) network. She is actively involved with the Gunung Palung Orangutan Project, a 25-year interdisciplinary initiative combining long-term primate research with community-based conservation efforts in Indonesian Borneo. This project represents a critical nexus of field biology, habitat protection, and sustainable conservation practices focused on endangered Bornean orangutans.
Karin Pfennig is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on understanding how behavior drives biodiversity, particularly through the evolution of mating behavior and its role in speciation, hybridization, and species distributions. She uses spadefoot toads as model organisms to study adaptive hybridization, behavioral plasticity, and the ecological consequences of species interactions. Her work combines field studies, laboratory experiments, and genetic analyses. Key research themes include the evolution of mate choice plasticity, the role of hybridization in range expansions, and the mechanisms underlying reproductive character displacement. Pfennig’s lab is located in Wilson Hall, and she actively mentors graduate students such as Catherine Chen, Patrick Kelly, and Gina Calabrese. Notable awards include winning the NSF’s 2026 Idea Machine competition for her proposal on community-driven carbon capture solutions. Her findings have been published in prestigious journals like *Science*, *Proceedings of the Royal Society B*, and *Journal of Heredity*. Pfennig’s research bridges ecology and evolution, addressing critical questions about biodiversity maintenance and adaptation in human-impacted environments. Her lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating behavioral, ecological, and genetic perspectives to unravel complex evolutionary processes.
Dr. Michael D. Burton is an **Associate Professor** and **Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professor** in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), affiliated with the **School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences**. He is a founding member of the **Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS)** and holds roles in the **Center for Vital Longevity (CVL)**. His research focuses on neuroimmunology, pain mechanisms, and metabolic disorders, emphasizing how immune-nervous system interactions influence chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and aging-related conditions. Dr. Burton’s work bridges preclinical and translational research, using rodent models and human clinical samples. Education: PhD in Animal Science (Immunophysiology and Behavior), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012) B.S. in Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006) Postdoc in Pain Neurobiology, UT Dallas (2017) Postdoc in Diabetes/Metabolism Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center (2015) Research Interests: Dr. Burton investigates how peripheral stimuli (diet, alcohol, immune activation) affect pain and behavior through neuroimmune pathways. Key areas include: Sex differences in pain sensitivity and neuroinflammation Risk factors for chronic pain (e.g., high-fat diets, aging) Neuroimmune biomarkers for pain and delirium Development of non-opioid analgesics (e.g., cannabinoids) Awards: 2024 ROAR Research Award, UT Dallas 2023 Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professorship 2022 SFNova/Rising Star (Society for Neuroscience) 2019 Mitchell Max Award for Pain Research Grants & Leadership:** Co-Director, **Enhancing Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Experiences (ENSURE)** program ($900K grant) NIH R35, R21 grants (pain and metabolism) Editorial roles: *Neurobiology of Pain*, *Journal of Neuroinflammation*, and others Labs & Teams:** Neuroimmunology and Behavior Lab (UT Dallas) Member, NIH Pain Consortium and Endocrine Society’s Basic Science Group
David Weisblat is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley's College of Letters & Science. His research focuses on developmental and evolutionary processes in glossiphoniid leeches (e.g., Helobdella ), particularly their segmentation mechanisms and molecular phylogeny within Lophotrochozoa. He leads studies integrating embryological, genomic, and genetic approaches to understand how developmental pathways evolved across bilaterian animals. Research Interests: Weisblat’s work addresses how cell fates and signaling pathways (WNT, NOTCH, TGFβ) shape leech development, with emphasis on the evolutionary origins of segmentation. His lab combines microinjection techniques, transcriptome analysis, and CRISPR mutagenesis to explore stem cell dynamics and conserved developmental programs. Key Projects: Current efforts investigate grandparental stem cell divisions in segmentation and intercellular signaling during early embryogenesis. The lab’s genomic resources—including BAC libraries and EST databases—facilitate comparative studies across Lophotrochozoan taxa. Lab Contributions: The Weisblat lab pioneered Helobdella as a model organism, enabling breakthroughs in Evo-Devo. Their findings bridge developmental plasticity and evolutionary innovation, particularly in annelids versus arthropods/deuterostomes.
Scott Forbes is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Winnipeg, affiliated with the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex. His research focuses on behavioral ecology, particularly family dynamics in birds, and fisheries management in Manitoba. He has conducted long-term studies on marsh-nesting blackbirds, exploring conflict and cooperation within families. Recent work investigates commercial potential of non-traditional freshwater fish species and bioproduct development. Forbes actively mentors graduate students and postdocs with funding opportunities. Research interests include avian behavior, reproductive strategies, and ecological impacts of fisheries. Theoretical work combines portfolio theory to model parental investment risks. Field studies emphasize red-winged blackbirds and brood parasitism in host-parasite systems. Publications span avian ecology, evolutionary biology, and environmental science. No scientific awards were explicitly noted in the provided texts. Advising and grants: Open to accepting funded graduate students. Research focuses on wetland birds and resource management, with field studies in Manitoba's freshwater ecosystems. Projects combine empirical and theoretical approaches to understand family conflict resolution, offspring competition, and ecological sustainability.
Adam Kleczkowski is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde, where he holds the Global Talent Chair. He is actively involved in research, supervising PhD students, and contributing to public health policy, particularly in epidemiological modeling. University: University of Strathclyde School: Faculty of Science Department: Department of Mathematics and Statistics Position: Professor Email: a.kleczkowski@strath.ac.uk ORCID: 0000-0003-1384-4352 Twitter: @aklecz Education: Doctor of Science in Theoretical Physics, Jagiellonian University (1989) Master of Physics, Jagiellonian University (1984) Adam Kleczkowski's research focuses on mathematical biology, particularly in modeling infectious diseases in human, animal, and plant populations. His work integrates ecological modeling, bioeconomic analysis, and public health, with applications in food security, sustainability in aquaculture, and pollination services. He specializes in parameter estimation for epidemiological systems and develops models to inform disease control strategies. His recent contributions include modeling the spread of COVID-19 in Scottish care homes and analyzing the risks of measles outbreaks due to declining vaccination rates. His recent publications and blog posts reflect a strong trend in combining rigorous mathematical modeling with accessible science communication. He frequently writes for The Conversation and maintains two blogs—'Statistically (in)significant' in English and 'Pandemia 2021' in Polish—covering topics such as tuberculosis, immigration, aging populations, and election data. His scientific work is supported by major funders including NERC, MRC, BBSRC, Scottish Government, and Defra. Scientific Contributions and Outreach: Member, Science Advice and Response Team, Plant Health Centre (Scotland) Expert contributor to Scottish Government on Plant Health business case Contributor to Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland COVID-19 modeling Author of 14 articles in The Conversation (over 1.5 million reads) Regular science blogger and tweeter (@aklecz) He has led or participated in 24 research projects, including international collaborations such as a Memorandum of Understanding with ICRISAT. He has supervised multiple research students and projects, and his work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, food security, and sustainable agriculture. He is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling (2018–2020), reflecting his ongoing academic influence.
Thore Bergman is a Professor of Psychology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. He co-directs the University of Michigan Gelada Research Project in Ethiopia and the Capuchins at Taboga Project in Costa Rica. His research spans primate behavior, cognition, and communication, with fieldwork in Ethiopia, Botswana, and Mexico. Ph.D. in Evolutionary and Population Biology from Washington University Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Pennsylvania (2001-2005) His research focuses on: Social cognition and dominance hierarchies in primates Vocal communication and its evolutionary link to human language Sexual selection mechanisms in primate societies Hormone-behavior interactions through non-invasive sampling Ecological influences on social systems Recent publications emphasize methodologies like acoustic recordings, genetic sampling, and playback experiments across gelada monkeys, baboons, and howler monkeys. His work bridges cognitive evolution and behavioral ecology. Scientific recognition includes: APS Fellow Bergman advises graduate students and employs technologies ranging from hand-held computers to radio tracking. He investigates vocal repertoires, social assessment, and physiological consequences of behavior.
Lynette A. Hart is a Professor and Department Vice-Chair in the Department of Population Health & Reproduction at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. She is a leading figure in anthrozoology and animal behavior research, with a strong focus on human-animal interactions, animal welfare, and behavioral health. Her educational background includes: BS, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah (1958) MA, University of California, Berkeley (1962) PhD, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey (1976) Dr. Hart's research centers on human-animal interactions , including assistance dogs, children and pets, and the psychological impacts of pet loss. She also investigates basic animal behavior , notably yawning in elephants, and promotes animal welfare in education through alternatives to dissection. Her work aligns with public scholarship initiatives aimed at improving individual and community well-being. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in anthrozoology , particularly exploring emotional bonds between humans and animals, behavioral indicators of health and stress, and ethical considerations in animal-assisted interventions. Her work bridges veterinary science, psychology, and education. Her notable scientific honors include: Honorary Member, Society for the Study of Human-Animal Relations, Japan (1995–2020) Fellow, International Society for Anthrozoology (2016) Distinguished Anthrozoologist Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (2017) Dr. Hart has been actively involved in mentoring students and researchers, co-authoring book chapters with scholars such as M. Yamamoto and L. L. M. Messam. She has led multiple research grants funded by organizations including Pfizer/Zoetis, Winn Foundation, Koret Foundation, and the Maine Coon Club. These projects focus on refining welfare assessment methods in cats, evaluating spay-neuter impacts, and studying therapy dog welfare. Her advisory roles extend internationally, with visiting professorships across Japan, the Caribbean, and South Africa. She has led five major research topics in Frontiers in Veterinary Science , covering children and pets, assistance dogs, spay-neuter strategies, zoo professional well-being, and cat behavior. Her innovative teaching methods include using clay models instead of dissection and simulating clinical behavior consultations with students’ own pets.
Luke Rendell is a Professor in Biology at the University of St Andrews, where he holds multiple affiliations including the Scottish Ocean Institute, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Centre for Biological Diversity, Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, and the Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences. His academic title of Reader (equivalent to Professor in the US system) reflects his senior status within the university. Dr. Rendell's research program centers on the evolution of learning, behavior, and communication in marine mammals. He has conducted extensive work on sperm whale society and ecology, demonstrating how long-lasting social groups use distinctive vocal dialects that appear culturally transmitted. His research spans culture in whales and dolphins, learning in archerfish, human social learning, and evolutionary modeling. Through the East Coast Marine Mammal Acoustic Study (ECOMMAS), he deploys passive listening buoys along the Scottish coastline to monitor windfarm impacts on marine mammals. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on cetacean culture, vocal communication, and conservation. His work increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional bioacoustics to analyze whale communication patterns. There's a clear trend toward examining the conservation implications of cultural transmission in marine mammals, particularly how cultural knowledge affects population resilience to environmental changes. Supervised 9 PhD students to completion since 2009 Principal Investigator on multiple research grants from Scottish Funding Council, Leverhulme Trust, and NERC Co-author of the influential book "The Cultural Lives of Whales and Dolphins" Dr. Rendell maintains active science communication efforts through projects like "Sea Symphonies" that blend marine science with artistic expression. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and biodiversity conservation.
Tyler Frankel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) in Fredericksburg, VA. His work focuses on environmental contamination, aquatic toxicology, and animal behavior, with a particular emphasis on trace metal impacts from coal ash, endocrine disruptors in waterways, and vibrational communication in insects. Current Position: Associate Professor, UMW Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences Email: tfrankel@umw.edu Frankel’s research integrates environmental science and behavioral ecology. Recent studies include trace metal contamination in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, pesticide effects on aquatic organisms, and vibrational communication in red milkweed beetles. His collaborative projects often involve students and address ecological risk assessment and conservation. Recent publications highlight trends in aquatic toxicology (2023–2025), with studies on coal ash impacts, metal bioaccumulation in grass shrimp, and endocrine disruption in fish and snails. Earlier work (2015–2021) explores behavioral responses to pesticides and synthetic hormones. Frankel has contributed to public discourse on environmental health through media quotes in outlets like the Bay Journal and The Bay Net, addressing coal ash contamination and riverkeeper collaborations.
Natalie Warburton is an Associate Professor in Zoology at Murdoch University, Australia, affiliated with the Harry Butler Institute and the School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, College of Environmental and Life Sciences. She holds a PhD in Zoology (University of Western Australia, 2004), a BSc(Hons) in Zoology (UWA, 1998), and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Murdoch University, 2002). She is also a Research Associate at the Western Australian Museum. Her research focuses on the functional morphology of marsupials, integrating anatomy, ecology, and evolution. Key interests include locomotion adaptations (digging, climbing, bounding), reproductive strategies, and the evolutionary drivers of musculoskeletal systems. Her work bridges extant and extinct species, particularly tree-kangaroos (e.g., Bohra , Congruus ) and marsupial moles. She has pioneered techniques for transferring anatomical insights from living species to fossil analysis, contributing to palaeontological reconstructions. Dr. Warburton has received awards such as the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (2015) and Senior Fellow status from Advance HE (2017). She actively engages in public science communication through podcasts (e.g., 'Aussie Wildlife Show', 'Palaeo Jam') and documentaries (e.g., ABC Catalyst's 'Megafauna'). Her research has produced over 50 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing skeletal anatomy, muscle function, and evolutionary adaptations. Current projects explore predator escape behaviors in marsupials and the functional morphology of extinct species. She collaborates across disciplines, integrating CT scanning, biomechanics, and comparative anatomy.
Professor Ashley Ward is a Professor of Animal Behaviour at the University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on social behaviour, collective animal behaviour, and the ecology of fish, particularly in group-living species. He leads the Animal Behaviour Lab and has authored influential books like Sociality: The Behaviour of Group-Living Animals (2016) and Questions and Answers on Aquarium Fishes (2007–2008). His work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to understand how animals make decisions in groups, navigate risks, and adapt to environmental challenges. Research interests include predator-prey dynamics, immune system effects on social behavior, and the role of social context in camouflage. Notable grants include 'Understanding animals through movement' (2018) and 'Advancing fauna conservation in post-fire landscapes' (2021). His recent studies explore collective decision-making, immune-challenge responses in fish, and the impact of environmental cues on shoaling behavior. Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed, but his contributions to fish behavior research are widely cited. He advises on grants and collaborates internationally, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and books. His lab emphasizes field and laboratory experiments, combining behavioral observations with computational modeling to uncover principles of collective behavior and social organization.
Dr. Martin Zuidhof is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta. His primary research focus is on Poultry Systems Modeling and Precision Feeding, particularly in optimizing broiler breeder management and energy partitioning. He holds a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Alberta and has pioneered transformative precision feeding systems that achieve unprecedented flock uniformity ( Education: PhD, Animal Science, University of Alberta Research Interests: Dr. Zuidhof’s work centers on advancing precision livestock systems through mathematical modeling (e.g., multiphasic growth models), optimizing pullet body weight for reproductive efficiency, and addressing societal concerns about animal welfare in poultry production. His innovations in precision feeding systems reduce nutrient waste while enabling precise metabolic studies. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2004, spanning topics from energy partitioning to smart farming technologies. Recent work emphasizes low-cost sensor applications and Big Data integration in poultry systems. Teaching: Instructs courses like Applied Poultry Science (AFNS 571/AN SC 471) and Principles of Animal Agriculture , emphasizing experiential learning and critical scientific thinking. Grants/Advising: No explicit grants listed, but his research has received institutional support. No advisee names found in provided texts.
