Dr. Scarlett Trimborn is a Senior Scientist and Head of the EcoTrace Group at the Alfred Wegener Institute's Ecological Chemistry section. Her work focuses on Southern Ocean phytoplankton ecology, trace metal ecophysiology, and the biological carbon pump. She leads initiatives such as the Subtopic 6.3 Future Biological Carbon Pump and collaborates on projects like MOSAiC and FRAM. Her research combines field experiments, lab-based physiological studies, and biogeochemical modeling to understand climate impacts on marine systems. Education and affiliations include roles at the AWI Marine Station Helgoland and contributions to international polar research networks. She has published extensively on Southern Ocean biogeochemistry, trace metal dynamics, and climate change effects, with over 128 peer-reviewed articles. Key focuses include iron limitation mechanisms, phytoplankton community responses to acidification, and carbon sequestration pathways. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, such as transcriptomics and exopolymer analysis, to uncover stress adaptation strategies in Antarctic species. She also explores trophic interactions, like fecal pellet nutrient recycling by salps vs. krill, influencing Southern Ocean biogeochemical cycles.
Gary H. Perdew is the H. Thomas & Dorothy Willits Hallowell Chair of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis at Penn State University. He holds a B.S. in Food Science from the University of Maryland, M.S. in Food Biochemistry from Oregon State University, and a Ph.D. in Food Toxicology from Oregon State University, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin. His research focuses on the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), exploring its role in toxicology, carcinogenesis, and metabolic regulation, particularly in barrier tissues like the intestine and skin. His work has led to collaborations with pharmaceutical companies developing AHR-targeted therapies. Key honors include the NIH R35 RIVER Outstanding Investigator Award (2019–2025), Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal (2002), and Distinguished Professor title (2004–2006). He teaches BMB 433: Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology and serves on NIH study sections. His lab investigates AHR’s dual role in cancer progression and immune modulation, aiming to develop treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancer. Ongoing projects include AHR antagonists in clinical trials and microbiome interactions with xenobiotic responses. Perdew’s research bridges environmental toxicology, cancer biology, and translational medicine, with over 150 publications and an impact index of 65. His lab also explores AHR’s role in metabolic homeostasis, gut microbiota dynamics, and evolutionary differences in receptor function across species.
Dr. Jianbing Li is a Professor and Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in the Environmental Engineering Program at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), holding prestigious fellowships from CSCE, CSSE, EIC, and Engineers Canada. His research program addresses critical environmental challenges with significant real-world impact, particularly in northern and remote communities of British Columbia. Education: PhD in Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina Research Focus: Dr. Li's work centers on environmental pollution control , petroleum waste management , soil and groundwater remediation , environmental modeling , risk assessment , and oil spill response . His innovative approaches integrate machine learning, advanced materials, and sustainable engineering principles to develop practical solutions for complex environmental problems, with particular emphasis on resource recovery from waste streams. Publication Trends: Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strategic focus on oil spill response technologies, wastewater treatment innovations, and waste valorization. Key advancements include nano/micro bubble flotation systems, chitosan-based adsorbents, and machine learning models for pyrolysis optimization, demonstrating his leadership in translating laboratory research to field applications. Scientific Recognition: 2024 Fellow of Engineers Canada and Engineering Institute of Canada 2023 CSCE Dr. Albert E. Berry Medal (Canada's top environmental engineering award) Multiple UNBC Research Excellence Awards (2010, 2014, 2019, 2023) 2013 Northern BC Business and Technology Award with Husky Energy Best paper awards from International Academy of Science and Environmental Geotechnology Society Research Leadership: Dr. Li has secured over $800,000 in 2023 and $1.9 million in 2020 for oil spill response research through NSERC, DFO, and NRCan. His current portfolio includes groundwater protection for Indigenous communities, next-generation decanting technologies, and water security for remote regions. He actively mentors PhD, MSc, and MASc students while serving on NSERC evaluation committees and co-directing the UNBC/UBC environmental engineering program (2013-2017). Collaborative Networks: Dr. Li leads multi-institutional partnerships with UBC, government agencies, industry (including Husky Energy), and Indigenous communities like Lheidli T'enneh First Nation. His work through the Multi-Partner Research Initiative addresses practical challenges in rural British Columbia while advancing fundamental knowledge in environmental systems engineering.
Oh Jeong-mi is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, and concurrently holds a Professorship at Seoul National University Hospital since 2005. Her 20-year academic career at SNU progressed from Assistant Professor (2004-2007) to Associate Professor (2007-2012) and full Professor (2012-present), with additional leadership roles including Chairman of the Practical Training Committee for the Korean Council for Pharmaceutical Education (2010-2012). Education: B.S. from University of Texas at Austin Pharm.D. from University of Maryland at Baltimore Professor Oh's research centers on clinical and translational pharmacy with three interconnected pillars: (1) pharmacogenomics of drug transporters and metabolic enzymes in organ transplantation, (2) age- and disease-specific drug safety and appropriateness, and (3) chemotherapy optimization through pharmacokinetic modeling. Her work bridges genomic science with clinical practice to enable personalized immunosuppressant therapy, particularly for kidney and liver transplant recipients. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research trajectories in CYP3A5/ABCB1 polymorphism impacts on tacrolimus/cyclosporine pharmacokinetics, with strong emphasis on Korean population-specific responses. Key subfields include pharmacometric modeling, transplant immunology, and genetic biomarker validation, consistently targeting clinical implementation of precision dosing protocols. Scientific Awards: Howol Songam Next-Generation Academic Award (2022) She has mentored 11 graduate students in pharmacogenomic applications for transplantation and oncology, with thesis topics spanning population pharmacokinetics, genetic association studies, and multidisciplinary team care models. Her research is conducted through the Clinical Pharmacy Laboratory, which employs collaborative frameworks involving clinicians, geneticists, and pharmacometricians to address complex drug therapy challenges in high-risk patient populations. The laboratory maintains active partnerships with Seoul National University Hospital's transplant and oncology units, focusing on real-world implementation of pharmacogenomic-guided dosing protocols while investigating novel drug-drug interaction mechanisms in polypharmacy scenarios common among elderly and multi-morbid patients.
ONG Choon Nam is a Professor at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health , National University of Singapore (NUS), and a Principal Investigator at the NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI). With over 330 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 84, his work bridges Metabolomics , Biomarkers , and Environmental Health . B.Sc (1972), Nanyang University MSc (1974), University of London PhD (1977), University of Manchester His research focuses on metabolomics for environmental health assessments, biomarker discovery, and toxicology. He has pioneered studies on nanoparticle toxicity, dietary metabolites, and water quality, with contributions to NEWater and soya waste valorization . The 15 most recent articles highlight trends in toxicology , environmental health , and agricultural sustainability , with methods spanning mass spectrometry , metabolite profiling , and nanotoxicity studies. His work often integrates multi-omics and biomarker analysis across diverse species. Scientific Awards : AstraZeneca International Award (2002) Public Service Medal (2004) Outstanding Mentor Award (2016) Research Excellence Award (2008) Public Administration Medal (2016) ONG has served on international advisory panels for the WHO, CDC China, and the US National Research Council, while leading administrative roles at NUS, including Director of the Environmental Research Institute (2009–2018). His interdisciplinary collaborations span nano-toxicology , water quality , and dietary health effects .
Eduard Bardají Rodríguez is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Girona, where he has been active since 1992. He is affiliated with the Institute of Agro-Food Technology and leads the LIPPSO research group (Laboratory for Innovation in Organic Synthesis Processes and Products), recognized as a Consolidated Research Group by the Generalitat de Catalunya. His work bridges organic chemistry, biomedicine, and agro-food innovation through the design and application of bioactive peptides. Research Interests: His primary focus lies in the discovery and development of bioactive peptides with applications in antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular therapies. His work integrates synthetic organic chemistry with biological evaluation, aiming to translate basic findings into practical solutions in medicine and agriculture. The recent publication trends highlight a strong emphasis on peptide-based drug discovery, particularly targeting pain, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. His research extends into plant biotechnology (e.g., expressing antimicrobial peptides in rice) and combating citrus diseases (HLB), demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach spanning human health and sustainable agriculture. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Consolidated Research Group status for LIPPSO by the Generalitat de Catalunya Advising and Grants: He has led and participated in numerous competitive research projects, including MINECO, PLANT-KBBE (Trilateral Project), IAPP PEP2BRAIN, and H2020 PreHLB. He has established industrial collaborations with companies such as Medichem, Croda, and Menadione. He co-founded the spin-off AMPbiotech to commercialize antimicrobial technologies, reflecting a strong commitment to technology transfer and innovation. Laboratories and Teams: He leads the LIPPSO research group and maintains a strategic alliance with the CIDSAV group, fostering collaborative research in applied antimicrobial development.
Dr. Shaun Watmough is a Professor and Director of the School of the Environment at Trent University, where he has worked since 2004. He is affiliated with the Water Quality Centre, contributing to its research since his postdoctoral studies under Dr. Peter Dillon. His expertise lies in biogeochemical cycling, particularly in forested catchments affected by acidification, nitrogen saturation, and trace metal dynamics. His work integrates novel methodologies like stable isotope tracing to elucidate metal cycling mechanisms and has produced critical load maps for acidification in Ontario. Current research emphasizes trace metal behavior in Alberta's Oil Sands and Sudbury's regreened landscapes. Dr. Watmough’s research spans soil and water chemistry, ecosystem recovery post-industrial pollution, and the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems. Notable contributions include studies on wood ash fertilization, peatland metal enrichment, and nitrogen deposition trends. He leads a multidisciplinary team addressing environmental challenges through biogeochemical analysis and restoration strategies. His publications highlight themes of ecological recovery in degraded landscapes, nutrient cycling under pollution, and the application of isotope techniques. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to critical load frameworks and restoration science reflect significant academic impact. Advising includes seven graduate and undergraduate students focusing on topics like forest regreening, metal biogeochemistry, and liming effects. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in environmental policy and land management.
Dr. Kimberly Maute is an Honorary Fellow at the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS) at the University of Wollongong, Australia, a position she has held since 2023. She also maintains a professional affiliation with the New South Wales Government Environment Department, as indicated by her work email address. Her research spans multiple ecological disciplines with a particular focus on wildlife conservation and the impacts of human activities on native fauna. Dr. Maute's research interests encompass a diverse range of topics critical to contemporary conservation biology. She specializes in bird conservation and ecophysiology , with particular attention to the impacts of pesticides on native fauna . Her work includes significant research on how locust control practices affect Australian wildlife, investigations into disease ecology in urban environments, and studies of animal responses to environmental stressors including drought. Her research often bridges fundamental ecological research with practical conservation management applications. Analysis of Dr. Maute's publication record reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of human activities and wildlife conservation. Her work spans avian ecology, ecotoxicology, disease ecology, and conservation physiology, with particular emphasis on Australian native species. She frequently employs field-based approaches to study how wildlife responds to anthropogenic stressors including pesticides, urbanization, and climate-related challenges such as drought. Her research has direct policy implications, particularly regarding pesticide use and wildlife management practices. Dr. Maute has received funding for several significant research projects: AI/IoT-powered Dashboard for Environmental Management at Tram Chim National Park (2021) Assessing the impact of reducing food waste on antimicrobial resistance in scavenging wildlife (2021) Impact of Bacterial Pathogens on Breeding Success of Silver Gulls on Five Islands, NSW (2017) Conservation management of granivorous birds in the tropical savannas (2009) Dr. Maute is actively involved in research supervision, currently mentoring PhD students and having previously supervised both PhD and Master's research projects. Her supervision topics align with her research interests, focusing on bird conservation, disease ecology, pesticide impacts on reptiles and invertebrates, and conservation of threatened species. She has supervised research on topics including the impact of sublethal pesticide exposure on bearded dragons, scavenging behavior in silver gulls, and disease transmission in wombat populations.
Ian Carroll, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on gastrointestinal biology and disease, with specific expertise in microbiome interactions. He directs the Carroll Lab and holds affiliations with the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD), where he serves as a Microbiome Focus Area investigator. Dr. Carroll's research centers on mechanisms through which intestinal microbiota and their metabolites influence gastrointestinal physiology, behavior, and weight regulation. His work spans microbiome dynamics in obesity, diabetes, and eating disorders , with particular emphasis on short-chain fatty acid physiology , gut-brain axis communication , and nutritional interventions . His laboratory has pioneered techniques for biological sample collection and bacterial DNA isolation from human fecal and mucosal samples. His publication trends reveal strong focus on Microbiome responses to dietary interventions (fiber, almonds, purified diets) Longitudinal biomarker discovery using interpretable machine learning Clinical applications in hypertension, bariatric surgery, and anorexia nervosa Cross-species validation through murine models Award Highlights: CGIBD Pilot and Feasibility Award (2012) Dr. Carroll maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines including gastroenterology, immunology, and computational biology. His work integrates molecular techniques with clinical studies to develop nutritional therapies for gastrointestinal diseases. Current research examines microbial contributions to weight regulation post-bariatric surgery and mechanisms underlying microbiome-mediated blood pressure control. The Carroll Lab operates within the MBRB building facility, conducting translational research bridging basic microbial science with clinical applications in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders.
Annika Björn is an Associate Professor at the Theme Environmental Change (TEMAM) within Linköping University . Her research focuses on Biogas Production , Anaerobic Digestion , and Environmental Chemistry to enhance sustainable energy systems through optimized microbial processes. PhD in Environmental Chemistry (2007), Linköping University MSc in Chemistry (1997), Linköping University Major research initiatives include: Coordinating process and technology development at the Biogas Solutions Research Center Leading KNUT project for science education integration Investigating Trace Element Dynamics in biogas reactors Optimizing Hydrolysis Efficiency for complex substrates Key findings from her 15 recent publications (2010-2025) demonstrate: Strategies to enhance biogas yield from lignocellulosic and industrial waste Techniques for rheological control through microbial metabolites Meta-analyses on pretreatment efficacy across diverse substrates Development of educational frameworks for energy sustainability Process improvements in UASB and CSTR reactor systems Characterization of underutilized organic fractions in digestate
Alyson E. Mitchell is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on food chemistry, particularly the chemical changes in fruits and vegetables, food safety, and the development of analytical methods for identifying beneficial and toxic compounds in foods. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from UC Davis (1996). Education: Ph.D. in Food Science, University of California, Davis (1996) Research Interests: Secondary plant metabolites and their applications in food authentication and safety. Optimization of food processing to retain beneficial compounds and reduce toxicants (e.g., acrylamide). Food-matrix interactions influencing bioavailability of nutrients and bioactives. Development of advanced analytical techniques for food analysis. Recent Research Trends: Her work spans methods for detecting amygdalin in almonds, flavonoid effects on aging, and green strategies to recover phenolic compounds from agricultural waste. She also addresses public health concerns around synthetic food dyes and processed foods. Awards: 2024: UC Davis Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award 2017: Fellow, American Chemical Society 2015: Fellow, Agricultural and Food Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society 2010–2015: John Kinsella Endowed Chair in Food and Nutrition Advising & Grants: Mitchell advises graduate students in food science, with a focus on analytical and applied research. Her grants and collaborations support studies on food safety, processing innovations, and sustainable practices. Labs/Teams: Leads research teams investigating almond quality, elderberry bioactives, and food forensics at UC Davis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to food science challenges.
Dr. Mostafa Elfawal is an Assistant Professor at UMass Chan Medical School in the Program in Molecular Medicine, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. His research focuses on developing novel therapeutics against parasitic infections, particularly targeting soil-transmitted helminths and malaria. He completed his PhD in Medical Entomology/Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, following a BA and MS in Animal Science from Ain Shams University in Egypt. His work emphasizes high-throughput drug screening and repurposing existing compounds for anthelmintic use, with recent breakthroughs in PIM kinase inhibitors and broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents. He has extensively studied Artemisia annua's antimalarial properties and its role in overcoming drug resistance. Collaborations with institutions like the NIH and international networks highlight his global impact in parasitology and tropical medicine. Key contributions include identifying metabolic enzyme inhibitors as anthelmintics, elucidating hookworm's cognitive and microbiome effects, and advancing yeast particle encapsulation for controlled drug release. His research bridges basic science with clinical application, addressing critical gaps in treating neglected tropical diseases.
M. Derek MacKenzie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta, specializing in soil science with a focus on soil-plant relations. He leads research on ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including fire biogeochemistry, land reclamation in oil sands regions, and nutrient cycling dynamics. His work integrates microbial ecology, spatial ecology, and soil chemistry to understand ecosystem recovery processes. Dr. MacKenzie teaches courses such as Introduction to Soil Science (REN R 210) and Principles and Practices of Land Reclamation and Restoration (REN R 305) . His research emphasizes soil organic matter stability, pyrogenic carbon impacts, and reclamation strategies for industrial sites. He collaborates on projects addressing soil health, biochar applications, and microbial community dynamics in disturbed ecosystems. His lab focuses on quantifying soil-plant interactions in boreal forests and reclaimed landscapes, with a particular interest in how fire and human activities alter carbon storage and nutrient availability. Recent work includes evaluating the efficacy of biochar-amended soils for agricultural and reclamation purposes, and analyzing microbial responses to fertilization in post-industrial soils. Dr. MacKenzie’s research has contributed to guidelines for sustainable land reclamation practices in the Athabasca oil sands region, emphasizing the importance of soil structure and microbial biodiversity for ecosystem resilience. He actively engages in interdisciplinary projects to bridge ecological theory with practical restoration solutions.
Aleksandar R. Popović is a Full Professor at the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Applied Chemistry. He holds a PhD from the same institution and has held academic positions since 1997, progressing from Teaching Assistant to Full Professor by 2013. His research focuses on environmental pollutants, waste material reuse, and atmospheric deposition, leveraging biomonitoring techniques. He has led or participated in multiple national and international research projects, including studies on soil contamination, airborne pollutants, and environmental risk assessment. Beyond academia, he served as Serbia's Minister of Science and Environmental Protection (2004–2007) and Minister of Mining and Energy (2007–2008). Education: Bachelor's in Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade (1988–1993) Master's in Chemistry, Florida State University (1994–1996) PhD in Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade (1996–2002) Research Projects: Active: International Cooperation - COST Actions project (2022–2026) Completed: National Fundamental Research Projects on pollutant dynamics and soil contamination Committee Roles: Chairman of the Committee for Recognition of Foreign Higher Education Documents (2021–2024) Member of the Committee for Education Strategy His research interests emphasize chemical transformations of pollutants, waste material repurposing, and environmental chemistry. Notable work includes studies on PAHs in food products, trace metal speciation in sediments, and bioindicator applications using moss. His recent publications (2021–2025) address environmental pollution impacts on ecosystems, human health risks, and innovative remediation techniques. Grants and collaborations include funding from the European Commission and Serbian and Slovak governmental bodies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges analytical chemistry, environmental science, and policy, reflecting his dual academic and governmental experience.
Kevin Farley is a Professor and the Blasland, Bouck and Lee Faculty Chair in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Manhattan College, NY. He holds a PhD from MIT and has extensive experience in water quality modeling, sediment contamination, and toxic chemical bioaccumulation. Education: PhD in Civil-Environmental Engineering, MIT ME and BE in Environmental/Civil Engineering, Manhattan College Research Interests: Focuses on water quality modeling, sediment contamination (e.g., PCBs, dioxins), metal mobilization, and bioaccumulation in the Hudson River and NY-NJ Harbor. His work integrates environmental chemistry, toxicology, and engineering to address real-world contamination challenges. Professional Contributions: Served on scientific advisory panels for EPA, UNEP, and the Hudson River Foundation. Leads the Institute in Water Pollution Control at Manhattan College and teaches courses like Surface Water Quality Modeling and Environmental Fate of Toxic Contaminants. Grants & Funding: Secured over $4M in grants from agencies like EPA, NIH, and the Hudson River Foundation for projects on metal toxicity, PCB fate, and nitrogen load reduction in Long Island Sound. Labs/Teams: Directs the Institute in Water Pollution Control, fostering collaborative research on water quality and sustainable resource management.
