Jessica Mayhew is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Central Washington University. She specializes in primate behavior, biological anthropology, and cognitive ethology, with a focus on social play, dominance hierarchies, and communication patterns in primates such as chimpanzees, macaques, lemurs, and gorillas. Her research integrates field studies, captive observations, and interdisciplinary approaches to understand primate social dynamics and conservation challenges. Her work extends to historical analysis, such as interpreting Bronze Age wall paintings depicting primates, and modern contexts like examining the impact of human caregivers on captive primates and the portrayal of nonhuman primates in digital media. She has conducted studies in diverse locations including China, Madagascar, and sanctuaries in the United States. Mayhew’s publications span topics like lateralization in lemurs, dominance behavior in Tibetan macaques, and paternal care in orangutans. She teaches courses on biological anthropology, primate origins, nonverbal communication, and primatology, reflecting her expertise in both academic instruction and applied research. Her advising and grants focus on primate behavior studies, with notable projects including camera trap deployments in China and collaborative work at sanctuaries. No specific labs or teams are listed, though her collaborative nature is evident through joint publications with institutions like Duke Lemur Center and international field collaborations.
Dr. Mahendra Bhandari is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi, affiliated with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University (2011), an M.S. in Plant, Soil and Environmental Science from West Texas A&M University (2016), and a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Texas A&M University (2020). Affiliations: Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Roles: Lead researcher in Digital Agriculture, UAS-based phenotyping, and precision agriculture His research focuses on integrating remote sensing (UAS, satellite, ground sensors), big data analytics, and machine learning to improve crop management and breeding. Key areas include high-throughput phenotyping for cotton, corn, and sorghum; UAS data integration for crop yield prediction; and digital twin frameworks for in-season management. Collaborators include Dr. Juan Landivar-Bowles and Dr. Jinha Jung. Publications emphasize UAS applications in crop monitoring, yield estimation, and disease detection. His work bridges agronomic principles with emerging technologies to enhance agricultural resilience. Key Projects: UAS-based HTP system development Satellite-UAV data fusion for precision irrigation Mechanistic models for cotton yield forecasting Labs/Teams: Leads the Digital Agriculture research team at Texas A&M AgriLife, focusing on UAS innovation and AI-driven agricultural solutions.
Matteo Bolner is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Bologna's Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, specializing in livestock genomics and metabolomics. He holds a PhD in Agricultural and Food Sciences (defended March 2025) and an International Master in Bioinformatics from the University of Bologna. His research integrates genomic and metabolomic data to improve livestock sustainability, particularly in pig production systems. Key focuses include identifying metabolic pathways influencing production traits, analyzing pig viromes for disease outbreaks, and leveraging big data for One Health applications. His educational background includes a Biological Sciences degree (2018) and a bioinformatics master's (2021). He interned at CINECA's SCAI department, focusing on HPC software containerization. Current affiliations include membership in the Animal and Food Genomics group, where he explores genomic solutions for breed conservation and sustainable production. Research trends in his articles emphasize multi-omics integration to understand pig metabolism, stress responses, and breed-specific adaptations. He also applies genomics to authenticate food products and enhance conservation strategies for endangered livestock breeds like the Mora Romagnola pig. His work bridges animal science, computational biology, and agricultural sustainability. Notable contributions include developing genomic tools for honey bee population analysis and creating a catalog of mitochondrial insertions in pig genomes. Future directions involve advancing metabolomics-based precision livestock farming and applying big data analytics to livestock One Health challenges.
Terence Lee Robinson is a Professor at Cornell AgriTech , affiliated with the School of Integrative Plant Science and Horticulture Section . His work focuses on applied fruit crop physiology to enhance global fruit production. Education : PhD in Horticulture (1984) and MS in Horticulture (1982) from Washington State University; BS in Plant Science (1978) from Brigham Young University. Research Interests center on solving practical fruit production challenges through orchard systems analysis , rootstock evaluation , and crop load management . His field-oriented studies integrate biological and economic assessments of orchard performance. Recent Publications highlight his expertise in apple rootstock testing , chemical thinning , and nutrient management , with global implications for improving fruit quality and orchard productivity under diverse conditions. Scientific Honors : Elected Fellow, American Society for Horticultural Science (2021) Wilder Medal, American Pomological Society (2021) International Fruit Tree Association Hall of Fame (2015) Extension Leadership includes fostering collaborations between Cornell, Michigan State University, and Ontario Canada extension teams, while editing the NY Fruit Quarterly to disseminate research findings.
Curtis Suttle is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Science. He also holds affiliations with Earth and Ocean Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology, and the Institute for Oceans and Fisheries. His research focuses on marine virology and the ecological roles of viruses in aquatic ecosystems, particularly their impact on phytoplankton and microbial communities. Dr. Suttle received his B.Sc. and Ph.D. from UBC, was a Coastal Marine Scholar at SUNY StonyBrook (1987-88), and served as Assistant/Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin (1988-96) before returning to UBC. His research program investigates the biology and ecology of viruses that infect microalgae and cyanobacteria. Key areas include discerning viral effects on primary productivity, isolating novel marine viruses, developing molecular identification methods, and studying viral distribution patterns. His work has revealed that viruses can occur in seawater at concentrations exceeding 10 5 ml -1 , with cyanophage concentrations reaching 10 6 infectious units ml -1 in coastal waters. Dr. Suttle's team has developed PCR primers specific for viral DNA polymerase genes, showing these viruses belong to a single family related to herpes viruses. Recent publications show a strong focus on marine viral ecology, with particular attention to oyster microbiomes, viral taxonomy, and the role of viruses in marine ecosystems. His research spans from coastal environments to the deepest ocean trenches, examining viral diversity across environmental gradients and investigating viral impacts on carbon cycling and marine food webs. Dr. Suttle leads an active research group with several post-doctoral associates, research scientists, and graduate students. His team conducts field work at multiple locations including the Naica Mine in Mexico, Pavilion Lake in British Columbia, Saanich Inlet, and the Strait of Georgia. Current projects include collaborations with the Hakai Institute, Line P Research Cruise, and CASES (Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange Study). His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding viral roles in marine ecosystems, particularly through expeditions to extreme environments like the Naica crystal caves and deep ocean trenches. Ongoing research explores viral impacts on microbial community structure, carbon cycling, and ecosystem function across diverse marine habitats.
Dr. Derek G. Brewin is a Professor and Head of the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics at the University of Manitoba, within the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. He holds a PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics from Pennsylvania State University. Education: PhD, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics, Pennsylvania State University, USA MSc, Agricultural Economics, University of Saskatchewan, Canada BSc, Agricultural Economics, University of Alberta, Canada Dr. Brewin's research focuses on spatial grain and oilseed markets, innovation in food processing and plant breeding, farm finance, and red meat supply chains. With 14 years of industry experience prior to his academic career, including roles as a lender and analyst in the agriculture sector, his work bridges practical industry knowledge with academic rigor. His current research projects examine the economics of crop rotations, grain transportation policy, plant location for oilseed processing, and the economics of perennial grains and forages with beef integration. His scholarly work shows a consistent focus on agricultural markets, transportation economics, and innovation policy, with a particular emphasis on Canadian agricultural systems. Recent publications analyze the impact of trade disruptions, pandemic effects on grain markets, and innovation policy in crop breeding. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Award-winning teacher of agricultural finance, marketing and risk management Past President of the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society Member and on Editorial Board of Northeast Agricultural and Resource Economics Association (NAREA) Member of the Structure and Performance of Agriculture and Agri-products Network Member of the Canadian Agricultural Innovation and Regulation Network Dr. Brewin has supervised numerous graduate students, with current students working on topics related to winter forage options, crop rotation profit impacts, and processing location impacts on farm prices. His professional service includes serving as a Senator at the University of Manitoba and as a director of Farm Management Canada and the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Brewin worked as a Corporate Advisor for the Canadian Wheat Board, a Policy Economist for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and a farm lender. He was raised on a mixed irrigation farm in Purple Springs, Alberta, providing him with firsthand agricultural experience that informs his research and teaching.
Shahid Siddique is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on understanding molecular and applied aspects of plant-parasitic nematode interactions with host plants. He aims to develop sustainable strategies to mitigate nematode-induced crop losses through genetic, biochemical, and biotechnological approaches. His lab is particularly interested in host resistance mechanisms, nematode effector proteins, and biocontrol solutions. Education: MSc, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan PhD, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria Habilitation, University of Bonn, Germany Research Interests: Siddique’s work bridges basic and applied research, including cell surface signaling in plant-parasitic nematode interactions, functional characterization of secretory proteins, molecular diagnostics for nematodes, and biocontrol strategies. Current projects explore recombination hotspots in nematode genomes, CRISPR-based resistance engineering, and redox signaling mechanisms. Teaching: General Plant Nematology (NEM100) in Spring 2020 Labs/Teams: The Siddique Lab focuses on translating molecular discoveries into practical pest management solutions. Collaborations involve genomic analysis, proteomics, and field trials to address global agricultural challenges.
Sultan Mia is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on plant genetics and crop science, particularly in the area of drought tolerance in wheat and other crops. He is actively involved in genomic and proteomic studies to identify biomarkers and candidate genes associated with stress tolerance. Dr. Mia's research spans several key areas in agricultural science, including drought tolerance, plant breeding, and genomics. His work utilizes advanced techniques such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), proteomic analysis, and genotyping to understand the molecular basis of stress responses in crops. Specific interests include the development of drought-tolerant wheat varieties through the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes. Recent publications by Dr. Mia demonstrate a strong focus on drought tolerance mechanisms in wheat and other crops. His work integrates genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify key biomarkers and genetic markers. Notable contributions include the discovery of SNP markers for drought tolerance in wheat and the investigation of antioxidant responses in buckwheat under drought stress. These studies highlight a trend towards multi-omics approaches for crop improvement. Dr. Mia has supervised at least one doctoral thesis, as indicated by the "Supervised Work (1)" in his profile. While specific grant details are not provided, his research output suggests involvement in collaborative projects addressing agricultural challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and water scarcity.
Zechuan Lin is a Lecturer at the Department of Neurology , Yale School of Medicine, and a member of the Adams Center for Parkinson's Disease Research . He previously held a postdoctoral research fellowship at Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital in 2023 and earned his PhD from Peking University, College of Life Sciences in 2019. His research bridges computational biology , genomics , and plant genetics , focusing on genetic improvement in crops like rice and maize. Key methodologies include heterosis analysis , transcriptomic profiling , and QTL mapping to dissect agronomic traits and environmental adaptation. Lin's publications highlight advancements in hybrid rice breeding , genome-wide selection , and computational tools for allelic imbalance and daylength-sensing models. His work integrates bioinformatics and genetic networks to address both fundamental and applied biological questions. He is affiliated with Scherzer's Lab , which employs interdisciplinary approaches to neurogenomics and personalized medicine for neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. His contributions to big data analysis and cross-species genetic studies reflect a unique intersection of plant and neurogenomics.
Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement
Mahipal Singh is a Professor of Animal Biotechnology and Coordinator of the Animal Science Undergraduate Program at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where he is affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology and the Department of Agricultural Sciences. He has been at FVSU since 2000 in various capacities, progressing from Adjunct Biology/MPH Graduate Faculty to his current position as full Professor since 2019. Dr. Singh earned his educational credentials in India: a B.S. (Hons) in Zoology from Meerut College (1978), an M.S. in Zoology from the Institute of Advanced Studies, Meerut University (1983), and a Ph.D. in Zoology-Microbiology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (1989). His academic journey included prestigious appointments such as International Visiting Fellow at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH (1991-1993) and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina (1989-1991). His research focuses on cutting-edge areas of animal biotechnology, particularly in postmortem cell recovery, genome editing in livestock, and myostatin gene targeting. Dr. Singh has pioneered work demonstrating that individual cells remain viable in mammalian tissues for much longer periods after death than previously believed, with applications for cellular therapies and germplasm preservation. His work with CRISPR/Cas technology aims to reduce milk allergens and mastitis in goats, while his myostatin research seeks to enhance muscular mass in meat goats for agricultural applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on cellular viability after death across multiple livestock species (cattle, goats, sheep), with particular attention to temperature effects and storage conditions. His work bridges basic cellular biology with practical agricultural applications, demonstrating how fundamental discoveries about postmortem cellular life can translate into biotechnological advances for livestock preservation and improvement. USDA-ARS 1890 Faculty Research Fellowship Award (2017) STEM Research Excellence Award, Fort Valley State University (2014-15) Multiple student research presentation awards at FVSU Annual Research Day symposiums Best Poster Award at National Symposium on Biotechnology, CIMAP, Lucknow, India (1999) Fogarty International Visiting Fellowship at NIH (1991-93) Dr. Singh has supervised an impressive 38 students across multiple educational levels, including 4 PhD, 13 MS, 7 BS, 8 HS, and 6 middle school students. His research has been supported by USDA-ARS, USDA-NIFA programs, and various other grants. He serves on multiple editorial boards, grant review panels, and university committees, and is an active member of professional societies including the American Society of Animal Science and Society for In Vitro Biology. Based in the Stallworth Biotechnology Building at FVSU, Dr. Singh leads research projects that bridge molecular biology with practical agricultural applications, working collaboratively with researchers from USDA-ARS, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and other institutions to advance animal biotechnology and improve livestock production systems.
Prof. Om Parkash Dhankher is a distinguished Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. His research integrates plant biotechnology, phytoremediation, and climate-resilient crop development, focusing on detoxification of heavy metals, stress tolerance, and metabolic engineering for biofuels. He leads the Dhankher Lab , which pioneered transgenic plants for arsenic phytoremediation and manipulation of glutathione pathways. Education: Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Durham University (1998) M.Phil. in Biochemistry and Genetics, Kurukshetra University (1998) M.Sc. in Botany, Kurukshetra University (1987) B.Sc. in Medical, Maharishi Dayanand University (1985) Research interests include molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance, glutathione homeostasis for oxidative stress, arsenic-free crop engineering, and nanotechnology applications in agriculture. His work on sulfur nanoparticles has demonstrated reduced toxicity in rice and Brassica napus, while his Crambe abyssinica and Camelina sativa projects focus on biofuel yield enhancement. He pioneered the first transgenic plant combining arsC and γECS for arsenic remediation. Scientific leadership is reflected through editorial roles in Plant Cell Reports , Frontiers in Plant Sciences , and Environmental Pollution (among others). His accolades include fellowships from CSSA, ASA, ISEB, and ISPP, alongside US patents for metal-resistant plants and oil content engineering. Notably, his research on plant-based nickel extraction featured in the Wall Street Journal (2025) and was highlighted in Nature Biotechnology (2002), earning over $10M in research funding. Publications span 117 peer-reviewed articles and 4 books, including breakthroughs on arsenic detoxification , nanoparticle-plant interactions , and stress-associated proteins . His work has been featured in Science , Nature , PNAS , and ACS Nano , with recent 2025 articles on Camelina nickel tolerance and nanomaterial gene delivery . Collaborations span institutions in India, China, Italy, and Egypt through international outreach programs.
Gregory Michael Peck is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Plant Sciences Major at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section. His research focuses on sustainable tree-fruit production, particularly in organic apple systems , cider apple germplasm evaluation , and crop-load management through pollen tube growth modeling . Award-winning educator (2021 Cornell Teaching, Advising & Mentoring Award) 2018 Grower Advocate of the Year (American Cider Association) Active in outreach through field days, extension publications, and social media Peck's work spans tree-fruit physiology , soil health , and mechanization of orchard practices . He co-teaches Cornell's popular cider appreciation course with microbiologist Kathy Arnink, combining apple production science with fermentation expertise. His research explores phenolic development , nitrogen management , and yeast interactions in cider production systems. Recent publications highlight collaborations in rootstock effects , compost applications , and fermentation chemistry . Peck's career has included work in California, Washington, New York, and Virginia, with training spanning horticulture, plant physiology, soil science, and agricultural economics.
Dr Farhad Masoomi-Aladizgeh is a Research Fellow in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. His work focuses on understanding how environmental stresses like heat and drought impact crop fertility, particularly in cereal crops. He holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Plant Biology. His research emphasizes male reproductive systems in plants and seeks to identify molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress susceptibility to enhance climate resilience in crops. Education includes advanced training in plant sciences, with a focus on molecular biology and stress physiology. Current research projects explore transcriptome responses to stress, stress tolerance gene identification in crop relatives, and ABA-mediated stress protection in rice. His publications span plant proteomics, stress physiology, and molecular protocols, with a strong emphasis on drought and heat tolerance mechanisms. Notable work includes developing universal nucleic acid isolation protocols and analyzing stress responses in rice and cotton. No scientific awards are listed, but his contributions to crop resilience research are significant. He advises no current students but collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving genomic and proteomic approaches to agricultural challenges. Research is centered at the University of Sydney with potential collaborations in plant science labs focused on environmental stress mitigation strategies.
Lina Bernaola is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University AgriLife Research. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology and an M.S. in Agronomy from Louisiana State University, alongside a B.S. in Biology from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Peru). Her research focuses on plant-insect interactions, particularly rice pests, and explores the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant defense systems. She develops sustainable pest management strategies integrating agronomy, biochemistry, and ecology. Her expertise spans Host Plant Resistance, Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions, and Integrated Pest Management. Recent work includes studies on rice delphacid control, biocontrol mechanisms, and the ecological impacts of mycorrhizal symbiosis. She is recognized for her leadership, becoming the first Latina president of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Education: B.S. Biology, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos M.S. Agronomy, Louisiana State University Ph.D. Entomology, Louisiana State University Awards/Honors: Incoming President, Entomological Society of America (2023). Her research bridges fundamental and applied entomology, aiming to improve crop resilience through multidisciplinary approaches. Collaborations emphasize translational science for practical agricultural solutions.
