Andy Ball is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Science at RMIT University, specializing in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. He leads the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource and has held key roles at institutions including the University of Essex and Flinders University. His research focuses on bioremediation, organic waste treatment, and environmental pollution solutions, with over 300 peer-reviewed publications and significant industry collaboration. Andy's academic career spans 30 years, with roles such as Director of the Centre for Environment and Society at Essex and Director of Flinders Bioremediation. He has attracted >$22M in research grants, particularly in applied environmental microbiology. His awards include the Royal Society of Victoria Medal (2021) and RMIT Research Excellence Award (2018). Research interests emphasize sustainable remediation of contaminated environments, leveraging microbial ecology and biotechnology. His teaching spans environmental science and biotechnology programs at RMIT. Andy advises on projects addressing bioremediation, bioenergy, and pathogen survival, with active collaborations with industries like Shell and Melbourne Water.
Jenny Kao-Kniffin is a Professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University. Her research focuses on the belowground ecology of horticultural landscapes, particularly the ecology and management of invasive plants and weeds in horticultural landscapes, wetlands, and urban ecosystems. She applies concepts from microbial ecology to understand how soil microorganisms impact plant populations both beneficially (aiding in plant growth and fitness) and negatively (keeping populations in check). Dr. Kao-Kniffin's research interests include: Weed science and ecological management of weeds Urban ecology and urban agriculture Rhizosphere biology and plant-microbe interactions Soil microbiome selection and manipulation Ecological approaches to sustainable agriculture Her work centers on three main research areas: selection of rhizosphere microbiomes that modulate plant traits, identifying functional roles of microbiomes that mediate plant growth, and assembly of plant-microbial communities that enhance ecosystem services. She has demonstrated that microbiomes can be manipulated to alter flowering time in plants and has developed ecological approaches for weed management through soil carbon amendments. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on urban soil microbiomes, nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems, and the application of microbial ecology to sustainable agriculture. The research spans from fundamental plant-microbe interaction studies to practical applications in urban agriculture and weed management, with particular emphasis on how soil amendments and microbial communities can be leveraged for ecological management of plant systems. Notable scientific achievements include: The White House Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2019 Weihenstephan Science Award, International Collaboration for Early Career Scientists 2017 Cornell University CALS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Students in Independent Research 2013 Dr. Kao-Kniffin actively mentors graduate students and has developed extension programs focused on assisting public and private audiences with methods to manage weedy and invasive plants in horticultural landscapes. Her lab has developed a web-based software program that allows users to select weed management methods based on conventional or organic preferences. She teaches PLSCI 4900: Reflection on Plant Sciences Experiential Learning and maintains an active research program with several ongoing projects in urban agriculture, particularly working with New York City farmers to construct clean soil from local materials.
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.
Rene Van Acker is a Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the Ontario Agricultural College (University of Guelph). Currently serving as Interim President of the University of Guelph, he previously held the Dean and Associate Dean External positions at OAC, and chaired the Department of Plant Agriculture. With a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from University of Guelph and a PhD from University of Reading , his leadership has transformed OAC through strategic initiatives like Our Shared Priorities and OAC Space Visioning Plan . Co-founded Arrell Food Institute and Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming Established over 20 externally funded chairs and raised $90M+ for OAC Led creation of B.Sc. in Indigenous Environmental Science and other innovative programs His research focuses on agroecology , organic farming systems , weed science , and temperate forest garden systems . Recent publications examine herbicide effects on crops, microbial community dynamics in agroforestry, and novel crop establishment methods. Key projects include evaluating compost applications and woodchip mulching impacts on apple orchard productivity and soil microbial abundance . As an active faculty member, he supervises graduate students , co-teaches OAC capstone courses , and serves on university committees including Budget Committee and Micro-credentials Committee . Externally, he contributes to Rural Ontario Institute and leads the Deans Council (Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Medicine).
Dr. Norman Q. Arancon is an Associate Professor of Horticulture and Director in the College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He holds a B.S. from Xavier University (Philippines), and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from The Ohio State University. His research focuses on vermicomposting, composting, soil ecology, and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in tropical environments. Dr. Arancon has contributed extensively to understanding the role of vermicomposts in pest suppression, soil health, and crop productivity. His work emphasizes organic agriculture and tropical fruit crop production, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in field settings. Key areas of investigation include the biological control of nematodes, mites, and other pests using vermicompost-derived products, as well as the optimization of waste-to-resource systems for sustainable farming. Dr. Arancon’s academic contributions span peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, reflecting his expertise in integrating ecological principles with agricultural practices. He teaches courses such as Hydroponics and Vegetables (HORT 263), Plant Growth/Development (PPHY 310), and Orchard & Horticultural Crops (HORT 352). His research has been published in journals like Crop Protection , Biocycle , and European Journal of Soil Biology . Dr. Arancon collaborates on initiatives like the Global Agriculture Multidisciplinary International Conference (GAMIC) and contributes to programs within CAFNRM, emphasizing conservation biology and environmental science. His work bridges laboratory research and field applications, fostering sustainable agricultural solutions for tropical regions.
Michael W.I. Schmidt is a Full Professor of Physical Geography in the Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (UZH) . He has been a faculty member since 2002, advancing from Assistant to Full Professor in 2014. His research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, particularly soil carbon cycling under climate change, microbial carbon use efficiency, and the stability of pyrogenic organic matter. Research Interests: His work investigates how deep soils respond to warming, the role of microbes in carbon sequestration, and the long-term fate of biochar in soils. He leads the Swiss National Science Foundation project Deep C: Deep soil carbon cycling in a warming world (2017–2023) and collaborates with international institutions including the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, and Cornell University. Publication Trends: His recent articles (2019–2025) reflect a strong focus on climate change impacts on soil carbon, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature , Nature Geoscience , and Global Change Biology . Key themes include microbial carbon use efficiency, deep soil warming, peatland carbon dynamics, and the stabilization of organic matter. His work increasingly integrates field experiments, molecular analysis, and global synthesis. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Mercator Fellow, German Research Foundation (DFG), 2021 Teacher of the Hour 2020 (student election) Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, he leads major funded research projects and has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s theses. He has served as Program Director for five Bachelor and Master programs at UZH (2018–2020), indicating strong academic leadership. His research is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and international collaborations. Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with the Department of Geography at UZH and participates in international networks such as the National Hub of the European Joint Program Soil and the Deep Soil Warming Experiment Network. His work involves interdisciplinary teams focusing on soil biogeochemistry, climate change, and sustainable land use.
Anusuya Rangarajan is a Senior Extension Associate and Director of the Cornell Small Farm Program at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section. She specializes in sustainable farming practices, particularly reduced tillage and soil health management for vegetable production, and urban agriculture. Doctorate, Michigan State University (1995) Master of Science, University of Wisconsin (1989) BA/BS, Michigan State University (1986) Her research focuses on sustainability in vegetable production systems, emphasizing reduced tillage, cover crops, and compost to enhance soil health without compromising yield or quality. She collaborates with colleagues across the Northeast and Midwest, exploring impacts on weed and pest management, soil biology, and profitability. The selected articles reflect her expertise in sustainable agriculture, including organic practices, conservation tillage, and urban farming. Key themes include optimizing soil health, balancing ecological and economic viability, and adapting agricultural strategies to small-scale systems. As Director of the Cornell Small Farm Program, she organizes the biennial Small Farm Summit, secured competitive grants for beginning farmer development, local food systems, veterans in agriculture, and soil health initiatives. She leads a team of seven staff members, collaborating with Cornell Cooperative Extension and non-profits to deliver workshops, webinars, and educational materials.
Peter Irga is a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. He is globally recognized as a leader in nature-based biological air treatment technologies, particularly green wall systems (Phytosystems), with current worldwide ranking #1 in his research topic (SciVal Topic T.37087). Dr Irga's research focuses on innovative nature-based solutions for urban air pollution challenges, including phytoremediation technologies, biosolar green roofs, and agrivoltaics. His work bridges environmental engineering with practical urban applications, examining the performance of nature-based systems in real-world settings to quantify their value and identify development opportunities. His research demonstrates how living infrastructure provides cities with natural beauty while improving human health and wellbeing, addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 3 (Good Health). His research portfolio includes 80+ publications with an H-index of 30 and $5.21M in research income, including ARC funding. Industry recognition includes $4.54M in high-level consultancies. His work spans multiple disciplines including atmospheric science, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials development, with particular emphasis on practical implementation of green infrastructure solutions in urban settings. Tall Poppy Science Award (2022) from the Australian Institute of Policy and Science ARC DECRA Fellow (2021-2024) Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2018-2021) Dr Irga actively supervises Masters and PhD students and coordinates Postgraduate Environmental Engineering and Water Engineering programs. His funded research includes Sustainable High-Performance Transitory Structures using Biobased Materials (2025-2026), Bradfield Green and Bio-Solar Roof Monitoring (2025), and Plantabox for Targeting the Urban Heat Island Challenge (2024-2025). He collaborates with industry partners including Junglefy, Ambius, Bradfield Development Authority, and City of Sydney.
Marilia Chiavegato is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, holding a split appointment in the Department of Animal Sciences and the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science. She specializes in agroecosystem sustainability, focusing on crop-livestock integration, grazing systems, and environmental impact assessment. Her work emphasizes climate change adaptation through multi-year analysis of large-scale datasets. Education: Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, Michigan State University (2014) M.S. in Applied Chemistry to Agriculture and the Environment, University of São Paulo (2010) B. Eng. in Agronomic Engineering, University of São Paulo (2008) Research Interests: Resilience of agroecosystems under climate change Greenhouse gas emissions monitoring Grazing management strategies Integrated crop-livestock systems Soil carbon sequestration Recent Work Trends: Dr. Chiavegato’s research bridges field-scale analysis with environmental pressures, focusing on mitigating emissions while enhancing productivity. Recent studies include grazing management’s impact on methane/nitrogen dynamics and biochar’s role in sustainable agriculture. Advising & Grants:** Advises students in Animal Sciences and Horticulture/Crop Science. Research funding sources include USDA grants and collaborative initiatives on sustainable farming. Labs/Teams:** Collaborates with Ohio State’s Agricultural Research and Development Center and Extension programs to translate research into practical farm solutions.
Neel S. Joshi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University's College of Science. His research focuses on engineered living materials, microbial engineering, and synthetic biology, with applications in gut therapeutics, bioremediation, and bioplastics. He leads the Joshi Lab, which develops materials from genetically programmed microbial cells, emphasizing self-healing, environmental responsiveness, and scalability. Education and affiliations include Northeastern University's Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems, where he collaborates on imaging tools for disease diagnostics. Notable projects include compostable plastics and probiotic-based therapies for childhood diarrhea. Joshi has been recognized as a TIER1 Awardee for innovative research. His work bridges biomaterials science and synthetic biology, with media coverage highlighting breakthroughs like living materials for space habitats and biodegradable plastics. Awards and grants are not explicitly listed, but his lab's funding supports interdisciplinary projects. He advises students through Northeastern's graduate programs and collaborates with industry and academic partners. The lab also explores applications in wearable X-ray shielding and light-driven chemical production in yeast biohybrids.
Prof Long D. Nghiem is a Professor and Director of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and Director of the Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW). He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Wollongong and has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Wollongong, Technical University of Munich (as August-Wilhelm Scheer Visiting Professor), and Colorado School of Mines. His research focuses on water treatment technologies, membrane science, anaerobic digestion, and sustainable resource recovery. Prof Nghiem has supervised 20 PhD and 8 MPhil students. His funded research includes grants totaling over $3 million, addressing topics such as advanced water treatment, biomethane production, and microplastic filtration. He has received awards like the UOW Vice Chancellor Award for Research Partnership and Impact (2017), and the Excellence in Reviewing Award from Environmental Science: Water Research Technology (2016). His research interests span membrane separation processes (e.g., forward osmosis, membrane distillation), water purification, and microbial strategies for waste management. He leads projects on resource recovery from wastewater and innovative technologies for addressing global water challenges. His work emphasizes practical applications, such as converting food waste into energy and developing eco-friendly biolubricants from microalgae. Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong (2004–2005) MSc in Education, University of Wollongong (2008–2010) BEng in Environmental Engineering, UNSW Australia (1998–2002) Affiliations: Editorial Board Member of Environmental Science: Water Research Technology Section Editor of Current Pollution Reports Prof Nghiem’s lab (CTWW) develops cutting-edge solutions for water and wastewater challenges, including solar-driven desalination, photocatalytic pollutant degradation, and microplastic removal technologies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering, chemistry, and microbiology to create scalable, sustainable environmental solutions.
Professor Kevin Thomas serves as Director of the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) at the University of Queensland's Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. He also leads the Minderoo Centre for Plastics and Human Health at UQ and serves as Deputy-Director of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Hyphenated Analytical Separation Technologies (HyTech). As an environmental health scientist with extensive expertise in contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), Professor Thomas has established himself as a leading researcher in environmental exposure assessment and analytical methodologies. His educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy and Doctoral Diploma of Science (Advanced) from Plymouth University. Professor Thomas has built a distinguished career focused on understanding human exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly plastics pollution and associated chemicals. His research spans multiple disciplines including analytical chemistry, environmental toxicology, and public health surveillance. Professor Thomas's primary research interests center on environmental exposure assessment, with particular emphasis on plastics pollution (microplastics and nanoplastics), PFAS exposure, and wastewater-based epidemiology for community health assessment. His work combines advanced analytical methodologies with environmental monitoring to assess human and ecological risks from emerging contaminants. He has pioneered innovative approaches to exposure monitoring using alternative matrices such as explanted silicone prostheses and wristbands, and has founded the international SCORE network on sewer biomarker analysis. His research has significant implications for environmental health policy and risk management strategies. Analysis of Professor Thomas's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plastics pollution across multiple environmental matrices (water, air, soil, food, and human tissues), advanced analytical method development for contaminants of emerging concern, and wastewater-based epidemiology as a public health surveillance tool. His work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward understanding the human health implications of environmental contaminants, particularly plastics and PFAS, while developing increasingly sophisticated analytical techniques to characterize these exposures. As an active research leader, Professor Thomas has secured significant funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council, Queensland Health, NHMRC, and the Minderoo Foundation. His collaborative approach is evident in his leadership of multiple research centers and networks that bring together experts from various disciplines to address complex environmental health challenges. Professor Thomas actively supervises numerous PhD students across a wide range of projects related to environmental health sciences. His supervision portfolio demonstrates his commitment to training the next generation of environmental health scientists while advancing research in plastics pollution, wastewater analysis, and exposure assessment. He serves as Associate Editor for the journal Science of the Total Environment, reflecting his standing in the scientific community. Professor Thomas leads the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), a multidisciplinary research center committed to world-class research across environmental health sciences. He has also established the InSpectra platform for identifying emerging chemical threats and co-founded the international SCORE network on sewer biomarker analysis. His research infrastructure includes advanced analytical capabilities for characterizing contaminants of emerging concern, particularly in the areas of mass spectrometry and environmental monitoring.
Professor Feike Dijkstra is a Professor in Terrestrial Biogeochemistry at the University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences. He joined the university in 2010 and holds a prestigious ARC Future Fellowship (2011-2015). His affiliations include the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and the Centre for Carbon, Water and Food. Feike Dijkstra obtained his PhD in 2001 and MSc in 1996 from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Prior to his current position, he worked at the US Department of Agriculture (2007-2010), and as a postdoc at the University of California, Santa Cruz (2004-2006), and the University of Minnesota (2001-2004). His research focuses on understanding carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus dynamics in grasslands, forests, and agroecosystems. Key areas include: Plant-microbial interactions and their impact on nutrient cycling Effects of global climate change on ecosystems Soil organic matter decomposition and stabilization Role of root exudates and rhizosphere processes Carbon sequestration strategies and soil health Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding soil carbon dynamics under acidification, nitrogen retention mechanisms, and the role of microbial activity. Research also explores the effects of grazing and environmental changes on greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient cycling in diverse ecosystems. Awards: ARC Future Fellow (2011-2015) He advises students on projects such as drought impacts on root plasticity, iron oxides in soil organic matter preservation, and phosphorus availability in intercropping systems. His work contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives in sustainable land management and climate resilience through affiliations with the Centre for Carbon, Water and Food.
Lindsey Slaughter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University's Davis College. Her work focuses on soil microbial ecology and biochemistry, with a specialization in soil health and ecosystem function in semi-arid systems. Dr. Slaughter earned her Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Kentucky, preceded by a Master’s in Plant and Soil Sciences from the same institution and a Bachelor’s in Natural Resource Management from the University of Tennessee-Martin. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Principles and Practices in Soils and Advanced Soil Microbial Ecology . Her research examines how environmental disturbances (e.g., water/nutrient scarcity, urban development) and agricultural practices (e.g., grazing, crop production) influence soil microbial communities, with implications for carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, and drought resistance. She frequently targets arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and employs microscopy and biochemical analyses to study plant-microbe-soil symbioses. Key research themes: Soil microbial ecology, nutrient cycling, conservation agriculture, climate change adaptation. Recent article trends: Publications emphasize tillage impacts on microbiomes, climate mitigation in cotton systems, AMF dynamics under elevated CO2, and urban soil microbial composition. Labs & Teams: Slaughter Soil Ecology Lab investigates microbial responses to conservation strategies, climate change, and agricultural practices in semi-arid ecosystems. Collaborates with institutions like the Universidade Federal de Lavras (Brazil) through student exchange programs. She advises Ph.D. and Master’s students and has mentored award-winning presentations at the PSS Student Research Symposium and SSSA meetings.
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary BiologyGermany
Paul Rainey is a Professor and Director of the Department of Microbial Population Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany. He also serves as Professor at ESPCI Paris and holds an adjunct position at the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study (NZIAS). His research spans microbial evolution, ecological scaffolding, and biophysics, supported by the Max Planck Society and collaborations across institutions. University of Canterbury – BSc, MSc, PhD Paul's research focuses on experimental evolution, ecological complexity, and the emergence of individuality in microbial systems. Recent work explores evolutionary rescue, biophysical mechanisms of surface colonization, and the interplay between ecological and genetic factors in adaptation. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, merging microbial ecology with theoretical frameworks for evolutionary transitions. Key themes include stochastic phenotype switching, genome streamlining, and the role of environmental structure in shaping evolutionary trajectories. Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand Member of EMBO Paul leads the Laboratory for Evolutionary Genetics at ESPCI Paris and collaborates with institutions like Kiel University and the CRC 1182. His work addresses microbial community dynamics, evolutionary medicine, and the broader implications of eco-evolutionary feedback in biological systems.
