Herman Barkema is a Professor in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, with a joint appointment in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine. His research focuses on preventing infectious diseases in cattle herds (e.g., mastitis, Johne’s disease) and antimicrobial resistance, integrating animal and public health perspectives under the One Health framework. He founded the Department of Production Animal Health and leads the AMR – One Health Consortium and CAN-AMR-Net. DVM, Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University (1988) PhD, Veterinary Science, Utrecht University (1998) His work spans clinical veterinary epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and zoonotic disease control. He has over 425 publications and collaborates globally, including as a Foreign Expert at China Agricultural University. Recent research trends highlight his focus on multi-omics approaches, ceRNA networks, and antimicrobial stewardship in dairy systems, with significant contributions to Johne’s disease diagnostics and mastitis prevention. Roger Morris ISVEE Award (2024) Plowright Prize (2022) Killam Annual Professorship (2019) Multiple Journal of Dairy Science Most Cited Awards (2011–2024) Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2014) Dr. Barkema supervises graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, emphasizing interdisciplinary mentorship. He co-developed the Veterinary DialogueTrainer for clinical communication training and participates in public engagement initiatives like Breakfast on the Farm. He leads the AMR – One Health Consortium and CAN-AMR-Net, integrating stakeholders across Canada and internationally. His affiliations include the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and strategic initiatives on Infectious Diseases and One Health (2015–2025).
Yousif Shamoo is the Ralph and Dorothy Looney Professor of BioSciences at Rice University, where he has been a faculty member since 1998. He previously served as Vice Provost for Research (2014-2022) and Director of the Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering (2008-2014). He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University (1988). His research focuses on combating multi-drug resistant bacteria through experimental evolution and biophysical approaches. Key interests include: Evolutionary trajectories of antibiotic resistance in pathogens like Enterococcus and Acinetobacter Biochemical basis of adaptation using microfluidics, genomics, and structural biology Discovery of novel antimicrobial strategies targeting cell membrane stress pathways Microbial interactions in spatially structured environments Publications emphasize antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, evolutionary biophysics, and microfluidic technology development. Recent work explores daptomycin resistance pathways ( LiaFSR ), membrane lipid signaling, and high-throughput evolution platforms. Awards & Honors: AAAS Fellow (2024) Ralph and Dorothy Looney Professorship (2020) George R. Brown Award for Excellence in Teaching (2015) George R. Brown Superior Teaching Award (4×, 2009 onward) ASM Distinguished Lecturer (2011-2013) He leads an active research group funded by NIH and DoD, advising 15+ graduate students. Current projects integrate synthetic biology with Streptomyces-derived drug discovery and microfluidic biosurveillance platforms.
Linda J. Harris, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Microbial Food Safety at the University of California, Davis, within the Department of Food Science and Technology. She served as Department Chair from 2016 to 2021. Her research focuses on microbial food safety, particularly in fresh produce and tree nuts, emphasizing pathogen behavior, antimicrobial treatments, and standard microbiological methods validation. She collaborates with food producers, processors, and government agencies to address food safety challenges. Dr. Harris earned her Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University in 1991. Her work integrates laboratory studies with extension activities to ensure practical applications in food safety. Key areas include evaluating pathogen survival on produce, developing sanitation protocols, and assessing risks associated with low-moisture foods. Her research trends highlight advancements in pathogen detection (e.g., MALDI-TOF technology), contamination prevention in postharvest handling, and consumer practices affecting food safety (e.g., homemade nut-based products). Recent articles address Salmonella and Listeria survival on produce, irrigation impacts on pathogens, and validation of pathogen reduction processes. Awards: 2021 AAAS Fellow 2018 Institute of Food Technologists Fellow 2004 Elmer Marth Educator Award Her advising and grants focus on low-moisture food safety, extension education, and industry partnerships. She leads initiatives like the Scientific Integrity Consortium and collaborates on national food safety guidelines. Dr. Harris is affiliated with the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at UC Davis.
Alexander J Sundermann serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of of Public Health. His research focuses on leveraging pathogen genomic surveillance and machine learning to revolutionize infection prevention practices in healthcare settings, with demonstrated impacts on outbreak detection accuracy and intervention speed. Education: 2013: BS in Microbiology, University of Rochester 2014: MPH in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh 2022: DrPH in Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Dr. Sundermann's work centers on whole-genome sequencing of pathogens to detect healthcare-associated transmission invisible to traditional methods. His research demonstrates how genomic surveillance reveals hidden outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and mucormycosis, directly linking colonization to clinical outcomes like ICU admission and mortality. He pioneers machine learning tools that analyze electronic health records to identify transmission routes, creating more efficient outbreak investigation frameworks across hospital networks. His publication portfolio (2019-2025) shows a clear trajectory toward integrated genomic-clinical surveillance systems, with recent work quantifying clinical and economic impacts while addressing implementation barriers. This interdisciplinary approach bridges epidemiology, genomics, and data science to transform infection prevention protocols. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in available information. Advising and Grants: While specific advisees and grant details aren't provided, his multi-institutional collaborations suggest active mentorship within genomic epidemiology research teams. His work with the National Healthcare Safety Network indicates engagement with major public health surveillance infrastructure. Labs and Teams: Dr. Sundermann leads cross-functional teams including microbiologists, data scientists, and clinicians across multiple healthcare systems. His UPMC outbreak investigations and national linen contamination studies demonstrate operational frameworks for real-time genomic surveillance implementation in complex hospital environments.
Kevin Wood was an Associate Professor of Physics and Biophysics at the University of Michigan. He held a dual PhD in Theoretical Physics and Physical Chemistry from the University of California-San Diego (2007), followed by postdoctoral research in Systems Biology (2008-2013) and Chemistry (2007-2008) at Harvard University. His research focused on applying theoretical physics principles to study antibiotic resistance, microbial ecology, and cancer biology. Wood's work emphasized understanding population dynamics in bacterial colonies, drug resistance evolution, and optimizing treatment strategies through mathematical modeling. Education: B.S. Chemical Physics, Centre College (2001) M.S. Biology, University of California-San Diego (2003) Ph.D. Physics and Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, University of California-San Diego (2007) Postdoctoral Fellowships: Harvard University (2007-2013) Wood's research interests included spatial evolution of drug resistance, collateral sensitivity in bacteria, and critical phenomena in cancer cell populations. His lab developed novel frameworks for predicting antibiotic efficacy and designing treatment sequences to combat resistance. Despite his untimely passing, he left a legacy of impactful contributions to biophysics and mentorship of students. Advising and Grants: Wood mentored numerous students but specific grants were not detailed. His Wood Lab was located in the Randall Laboratory and Homer A. Neal Lab at the University of Michigan.
Professor Sharon Peacock is a leading academic in medical microbiology and public health at the University of Cambridge. She holds the position of Executive Director & Chair of the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) since 2020. Previously, she served as Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University College London (2015-2019), and at the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine (2009-2015). Her research focuses on bacterial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and genomic surveillance of infectious diseases. Education and professional roles include non-executive directorships at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Public Health England (seconded roles). She has been recognized with significant honors including Commander of the British Empire (CBE), MRC Millennium Medal, and Unilever Colworth Prize. Her work bridges laboratory research and public health policy, particularly in genomic epidemiology of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and MRSA. Key contributions include defining transmission patterns of nosocomial pathogens through genomic studies, developing strategies for antimicrobial resistance, and leading international responses to infectious disease outbreaks. Her research integrates clinical microbiology with advanced genomic technologies to inform global health strategies.
Ahmed Abdelhamid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University since August 2024. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Associate and Postdoctoral Researcher at The Ohio State University (2018-2024), and was a Principal Research Investigator and Lecturer at Benha University, Egypt (2016-2018). PhD (2015) : Joint supervision in Microbiology, University of Guelph & Benha University MSc (2011) & BSc (2008) : Microbiology, Benha University His research spans three interconnected domains: Microbial Omics for food safety (metagenomic analysis of food microbiomes), Pathogen Adaptation (Salmonella virulence dynamics), and Biofilm Reprogramming (metabolomics-driven antibiofilm strategies). Recent work explores stress responses in foodborne pathogens and omics-based approaches to microbiome engineering. Scientific contributions include key publications in Frontiers , Applied and Environmental Microbiology , and Antibiotics . Recognized for his joint supervision scholarship during doctoral studies, his research integrates food safety, microbial physiology, and metabolomics innovation.
Andrew F. Read is the Senior Vice President for Research and Evan Pugh University Professor of Biology and Entomology at Pennsylvania State University. He holds affiliations with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and the Department of Entomology. His research focuses on the ecology and evolutionary genetics of infectious diseases, particularly vaccine and drug resistance in pathogens like malaria and Marek’s disease. Read has been recognized with prestigious awards, including membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and The Royal Society. Education: Ph.D., University of Oxford (1989); B.S., University of Otago (1984). Research Interests: Investigates how pathogens evolve to evade control measures, including drug and vaccine resistance. Current projects include studying drug resistance in hospital pathogens, vaccine-driven virulence evolution in malaria, and ecological factors influencing infectious disease dynamics. His work integrates experimental and computational methods across disciplines like evolutionary biology, microbiology, and genomics. Recent Contributions: His lab explores strategies to slow resistance evolution, such as adjunctive therapies and optimized drug regimens. Key findings include demonstrating how antibiotic use patterns influence resistance emergence and identifying mechanisms of pathogen transmission. Awards and Honors: Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2018) Penn State President’s Award (2018) Fellow, The Royal Society (2015) Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2014) Advising and Grants: Supervises a dynamic research group, including undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Active in securing funding for studies on malaria, myxomatosis, and antibiotic resistance. Collaborates with institutions globally on projects spanning ecology, virology, and public health. Labs and Teams: Leads the Read Lab at Penn State, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to infectious disease control. Collaborates with the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Martin A. Kriegel serves as full Professor and Department Head of the Department of Translational Rheumatology and Immunology at the Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Münster, while maintaining an active laboratory at Yale School of Medicine. He leads the Section for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (SRKI) at Medical Clinic D, where his team integrates clinical care with cutting-edge microbiome research. His department operates from Röntgenstraße 21 and Von-Esmarch-Str. 54 in Münster, Germany, with extensive collaborations including the "Cells in Motion" research initiative and the CiM-IMPRS graduate program. Dr. Kriegel's research program focuses on the critical interface between host immunity and microbiota, particularly investigating how gut commensals translocate to host tissues and trigger autoimmune responses. His laboratory pioneered the discovery that specific pathobionts like Enterococcus gallinarum and certain Lactobacillus strains can translocate from the gut to mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and other sites, driving autoimmune responses through molecular mimicry of human autoantigens. His work has established fundamental mechanisms by which microbiota influence rheumatic diseases, cutaneous autoimmunity, and cancer immunology, with particular emphasis on Ro60 autoantigen mimicry, TLR7-dependent pathways, and diet-microbiome interactions. The laboratory employs advanced techniques including gnotobiotic mouse models, humanized systems, and detailed molecular characterization of host-pathobiont interactions. Analysis of Dr. Kriegel's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of high-impact research connecting microbiome dynamics to autoimmune pathogenesis. His most recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates increasingly sophisticated understanding of how specific bacterial strains influence disease phenotypes across multiple autoimmune conditions, with notable advances in identifying shared microbiome signatures across lupus and inflammatory bowel disease. The publications show progressive refinement from initial observations of microbial translocation to detailed mechanistic insights into tryptophan catabolism pathways, structural basis of molecular mimicry, and diet-sensitive microbial triggers. Dr. Kriegel's scientific recognition includes US Patent No. 11,058,756 B2 for compositions treating autoimmune diseases by reducing enterococcus, reflecting the translational potential of his research. His laboratory receives substantial funding, most notably a $3 million award from the Lupus Research Alliance for the TransLuMi project investigating gut pathobiont translocation in systemic lupus erythematosus. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Kriegel directs a substantial research team including multiple postdocs (Drs. Marcia Pereira, Nathalie Becker), PhD candidates (Anna Brinkhege, Carina Brune, Helen Fuhrmann), and laboratory specialists. He participates in the CiM-IMPRS graduate program and supervises medical students through the MedK program. His laboratory currently manages multiple significant research projects including: (A) intestinal wall permeability and pathobiont translocation in autoimmunity; (B) diet-environment-microbiome interactions; (C) microbiota disruption of immunological tolerance; and (D) microbiome roles in lymphoma development. The Kriegel laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities at both Münster and Yale, with specialized capabilities in gnotobiotic research, microbiome analysis, and immune profiling. His team collaborates with international partners including Dr. Eran Elinav at Weizmann Institute, Dr. Nissan Yissachar at Bar-Ilan University, Prof. George Tsokos at Harvard, and Prof. Ilana Brito at Cornell University. The laboratory's website (https://www.medizin.uni-muenster.de/mikrobiom/startseite/) details ongoing projects and research opportunities.
Dr. Irma D. Fleming serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where she maintains clinical practice at the University of Utah Hospital Burn Center in Salt Lake City. Board certified by the American Board of Surgery and its Surgical Critical Care subspecialty, she specializes in acute burn care, burn reconstruction, critical care trauma management, and necrotizing soft tissue infections. Her academic training includes: B.S. in Biology from Spelman College M.D. from Meharry Medical College General Surgery Residency at the University of Chicago Burn Surgery Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Anesthesia Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Chicago Dr. Fleming's research integrates clinical burn care with microbiome science, focusing on how microbial communities influence wound healing, sepsis, and surgical outcomes. Her work examines nutritional interventions in burn recovery, electrical injury complications, frostbite management, and antibiotic-resistant pathogens in burn units. She investigates the intersection of trauma, critical illness, and host-microbe interactions using multi-omic approaches and clinical database analysis. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2016-2024) reveals consistent emphasis on burn care optimization through microbiome modulation, infection control in burn units, and metabolic/nutritional support. Key trends include translational studies on fecal microbiota transplants for sepsis, outbreak management of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, and innovative techniques like botulinum toxin application in acute burn care. Her work spans clinical trials, multi-omic tissue analysis, and hospital environmental microbiome studies. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. While no student mentorship or grant details were specified, Dr. Fleming's collaborative publications suggest active participation in multi-institutional research teams focused on surgical infections and critical care outcomes. Her clinical role involves telemedicine applications and comprehensive burn center care coordination.
Dr. Peter Zilm is an Associate Professor in the Adelaide Dental School at the University of Adelaide, part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research focuses on bacterial biofilm dynamics, particularly in oral pathogens linked to caries and periodontal disease, and their systemic implications. Key projects include developing oral microbiome transplantation therapies and pH-responsive 'intelligent particles' as antimicrobial agents. Collaborations with chemical engineers and industry aim to advance nano-technological solutions for dental applications. Research interests span biofilm inhibition mechanisms, the gut microbiome's role in gastrointestinal inflammation triggered by periodontitis, and the development of novel antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. His work integrates advanced technologies like cellular impedance (exCELLigence) and next-generation sequencing. He has secured NHMRC funding (2020-25) for oral microbiome transplantation research. Projects are based at the Helen Mayo South Building and involve collaborations with institutions in Spain, the UK, and elsewhere. Dr. Zilm supervises Honours, Masters, and PhD students across multiple translational projects, including anti-biofilm agents, oral microbiome transplantation efficacy, and the relationship between oral bacteria and systemic diseases like cardiovascular issues and cancer. His recent publications highlight innovations in nano-technology, biofilm disruption, and probiotic interventions for periodontal disease.
Prof. Friedrich Götz is a Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Microbial Genetics at the University of Tübingen, Germany. He has held this position since 2015, following his tenure as a full professor from 1987 to 2015. He is also a Visiting Professor at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS, 2020–present) and a member of the Cluster of Excellence - CMFI (2018–present). His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich (1974–1978) and Habilitation at TU Munich (1985). His research focuses on microbial genetics, particularly the physiology of staphylococci, lipoprotein roles in immune responses, and bacterial-host interactions. Recent studies highlight microbiota-derived neurotransmitters influencing host cells and the development of novel antimicrobial compounds. His work has led to groundbreaking insights into skin microbiota's role in wound healing and neurochemical signaling. Prof. Götz has been awarded the DECHEMA Award (1989), DGHM Award (1991), and DGHM Lecturer Award (2009). He has served as President and Vice President of the VAAM (2003–2009), and has held leadership roles in major initiatives, including the DFG Graduate College 685 (2010–2011) and the Transregio SFB (2006–2013). He actively contributes to scientific publishing as an editor for journals like Molecular Microbiology and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and advises international research institutions. His research spans over 380 peer-reviewed publications, with an h-index of 99, and has mentored over 120 PhD students and postdocs, many of whom have become professors. His lab, part of the Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), collaborates globally on microbial genetics and infection biology.
Kelly Baker, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Climate Change and Health Equity at the University at Buffalo’s Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health (School of Public Health and Health Professions). Her research focuses on transdisciplinary interventions addressing global health challenges, including maternal and child health, One Health frameworks, infectious disease transmission prevention, water insecurity, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change impacts in low-resource settings. She has held prior roles at institutions such as the University of Iowa and Emory University. Education: PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland Baltimore BS in Biology and Ecology, Oral Roberts University Research Interests: Dr. Baker explores the intersection of climate change, urbanization, and health equity. Her work examines how environmental factors like flooding and water contamination contribute to disease burdens in vulnerable populations, particularly in informal settlements. She also investigates interventions to reduce enteric infections in children through improved sanitation and diagnostics. Recent Article Trends: Her recent publications emphasize occupational safety in small businesses, spatial patterns of pathogen contamination, and policy analyses for diarrheal disease prevention in Kenya. These studies often blend quantitative methods with community-based approaches to address systemic health inequities. Awards and Honors: ASM Student Travel Grant Award Global Health Institute Scholar (Emory University) U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science Fellow Advising and Grants: While specific grant details are not listed, her leadership in the Center for Climate Change and Health Equity underscores her role in securing funding for transdisciplinary projects. She mentors students in global health research, though no named advisees are documented here. Labs/Teams: Directs the Center for Climate Change and Health Equity, which integrates environmental and public health research to address climate-driven health disparities.
Jennifer Weidhaas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah since 2016. She holds a PhD and MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California-Davis, and a BS in Civil Engineering from Montana State University. A registered Professional Engineer, her research spans environmental microbiology, wastewater epidemiology, and sustainable water treatment technologies. Education: BS, Civil Engineering, Montana State University (1999) MS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Davis (2002) PhD, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Davis (2006) Her research focuses on environmental microbiology , quantitative microbial risk assessment , and water treatment innovations , particularly for munition compounds and PFAS. She leads the E-Sure Research Lab, integrating biotechnology with civil engineering to address challenges in wastewater reuse, biosolid application, and contaminant fate. Her work on ion exchange systems and nanofiltration models has advanced sustainable treatment train design. Key findings from her publications include: Optimized ion exchange systems for NTO removal with 99% efficiency NSF CAREER-funded wastewater surveillance models for pathogen tracking Life cycle assessments showing 22% lower environmental impact with IX-AGR-ozone configurations Development of microbial degradation pathways for insensitive munition compounds Scientific recognition includes: Outstanding Mentor (2018, University of Utah) Multiple Teaching Excellence Awards (2015-2017) Best Paper Award (ASEE, 2017) NSF CAREER Award (2016) She actively engages in community outreach, training 80 K-12 teachers in engineering and organizing water quality testing events for Salt Lake City households. Her teaching portfolio includes graduate thesis supervision and undergraduate courses like Life Sciences in Engineering .
Filipa Sofia Dinis Reis is a prominent researcher at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), specifically within the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering at the School of Technology and Management. With over 114 publications in the last decade, she has established herself as a leading expert in food science, natural products chemistry, and sustainable food technologies. Her research spans multiple domains including functional foods, mushroom biochemistry, and food waste valorization. Dr. Dinis Reis completed her Master of Biotechnology at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, where she was recognized as the best student of her cohort (2008-2010). She later earned her PhD from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, receiving the Extraordinary Doctoral Prize for her outstanding work. Her educational background provided the foundation for her current research in food science and natural product chemistry. Her research interests focus on identifying and characterizing bioactive compounds in natural sources, particularly mushrooms and plant byproducts. She investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties of these compounds, with special emphasis on food waste valorization through circular economy approaches. Her work on apple pomace, walnut biostimulants, and mushroom extracts has significant implications for sustainable food production and health-promoting ingredients. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward sustainable food systems, with increasing focus on circular economy applications, food waste valorization, and natural alternatives to synthetic additives. Her research bridges fundamental chemistry with practical food industry applications, particularly in the areas of natural preservatives and functional ingredients derived from agricultural byproducts. Iacobus Program - Stays (2023) Erasmus+ Programme (STT Staff Mobility) (2023) Ideas with potential for innovative pilot projects (2023) Iacobus Program - Scientific papers (2022) CEECIND - Concurso Estímulo ao Emprego Científico Individual (2022) Extraordinary Doctoral Prize from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2018) PhD Grant from FCT (2015) As Principal Investigator of the CYPonins project (2022-2028), funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Dr. Dinis Reis leads research on cypress saponins as bio-based alternatives for high-mortality rate tumors. Her work attracts significant research funding and has practical applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries, demonstrating the translational potential of her research. She actively collaborates with international researchers, as evidenced by numerous co-authored publications with scientists from various countries. Her laboratory focuses on advanced analytical techniques for characterizing bioactive compounds in natural sources, with particular expertise in chromatographic methods, antioxidant assays, and antimicrobial testing. The research group works at the intersection of food science, pharmacology, and sustainable technology, developing innovative solutions for food waste reduction and natural product utilization.
