Judith Risse is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Bioinformatics (BIF) department at Wageningen University & Research. Her work focuses on genomic and evolutionary studies, including phylogenomic analysis of plant development, insect adaptation, and microalgal biotechnology. She has contributed to projects involving genome sequencing, transcriptome analysis, and nanopore technologies. Education: Completed her PhD in Bioinformatics (2014) under Prof. Bisseling and Dr. Leunissen, focusing on text-mining for metabolic pathway reconstruction. Research Interests: Floral development in Asteraceae, evolutionary adaptation in insects (e.g., field crickets), and genomic mechanisms of stress tolerance in microalgae. Her work integrates computational biology with experimental genomics. Publications: Key contributions include studies on dandelion floral genetics (2023), great tit genome inversion analysis (2023), and microalgal thermotolerance (2022). She has also published on cricket genomics (2020) and viral photosynthesis interactions (2022). Projects: Led a PhD project on text-mining applications in metabolic pathway analysis. Currently involved in collaborative projects on plant and animal genomics. Labs/Teams: Active in the BIF group at Wageningen, collaborating with institutions like St Andrews University and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology.
Brian D. Gregory is a Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on RNA modifications, computational biology, and plant genetics, particularly studying how RNA modifications regulate gene expression in plants and animals. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University (2005) and a B.S.A. from the University of Arizona (2000). Research Interests: RNA epitranscriptomics (e.g., m6A, NAD+ caps) RNA secondary structure and protein interactions Genomic approaches to study plant stress responses Development of high-throughput sequencing tools like PIP-seq Recent Work Highlights: Recent studies include analyzing pathogen-induced RNA modifications' role in plant immunity (Plant Cell 2023), global RNA structure/protein interaction mapping, and epitranscriptomic dynamics in drought tolerance. His lab's work bridges computational methods with molecular genetics to uncover post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Lab & Collaborations: The Gregory Lab uses Arabidopsis thaliana as a primary model organism but also explores animal systems. They collaborate with institutions like Cornell University and have developed protocols published in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology. Teaching: BIOL 4231: Genome Sciences and Genomic Medicine BIOL 6010: Communication for Biologists
Douglas Yu is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he also serves as Principal Investigator and Director of the Ecology, Conservation, and Environment Center (ECEC), a joint venture with the Kunming Institute of Zoology. He is a member of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation and the Organisms and the Environment research group. His research focuses on cooperation in ecological systems, particularly mutualisms between species and conservation as cooperation between humans and nature. Key methodologies include environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and game theory. He co-founded NatureMetrics to commercialize biodiversity monitoring tools. His work spans tropical ecology, conservation genetics, and human-wildlife conflict resolution, notably in the Amazon. His recent research outputs highlight trends in molecular biodiversity assessment, landscape-scale eDNA analysis, and integrating remote sensing with ecological data. He leads multiple NERC-funded projects and industry collaborations focused on pollination services, cocoa sustainability, and statistical frameworks for eDNA. He is actively involved in scientific governance, serving on the NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility Steering Committee and UKRI grant panels. He also contributes to public discourse through media appearances on topics like leech-based disease surveillance and bee conservation. He teaches courses in evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and statistical modeling using R. He welcomes PhD and postdoctoral researchers, especially those interested in fieldwork in East Asia.
Xavier Martini is an Associate Professor in Entomology at the University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC). His work focuses on integrated pest management (IPM), insect behavior, and chemical ecology, particularly targeting plant pest vectors like the Asian citrus psyllid and ambrosia beetles. He leads research on citrus greening disease, laurel wilt, and invasive species management. His roles include 70% research and 30% extension, bridging academic and applied pest control strategies. Research emphasizes vector biology, semiochemical-based pest control, and community engagement. He collaborates on publications addressing cucurbit production, onion pest management, and organic vegetable systems. Current projects include repellent development for citrus pests and biological control of invasive vines. His lab group works on ecological interactions between plants, pathogens, vectors, and predators. Key achievements include developing traps for small insect vectors and exploring floral resource enhancements for pollinator populations. He contributes to Florida's citrus and vegetable industries through extension guides and workshops, ensuring practical applications of his research.
Anders Backlund is Professor of Pharmacognosy at Uppsala University's Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, with dual institutional roles including Garden Director at Uppsala Linnaean Gardens. His work bridges pharmaceutical sciences and botanical heritage through the university's historic gardens. His research centers on pharmacognosy and natural products chemistry, with pioneering development of the ChemGPS-NP platform for chemical space navigation. This computational tool maps biological activity in chemical property space, enabling prediction of pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action. His work spans plant metabolomics, evolutionary chemography, and drug discovery from natural sources including marine organisms, fungi, and medicinal plants. Recent publications (2019-2023) demonstrate strong continuity in applying ChemGPS-NP to diverse problems: predicting membrane permeability of Alpinia galanga constituents (2022), evaluating Ononis isoflavonoids for CNS targeting (2022), and decoding multi-functional bioactivities in Maca (2021). His work increasingly integrates computational prediction with experimental validation across anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antimicrobial domains. As Garden Director of Uppsala Linnaean Gardens, he maintains institutional connections to botanical heritage while advancing modern pharmacognosy. His dual roles exemplify the integration of historical plant knowledge with contemporary drug discovery methodologies.
Univ.-Prof. Karl Crailsheim is a Professor at the University of Graz, affiliated with the Institute of Zoology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on honeybee behavior, physiology, and health, particularly investigating the honeybee superorganism and threats to their colonies. He explores swarm systems, robotics, and swarm intelligence, with recent emphasis on colony losses and environmental threats. His work bridges biology and robotics, applying insights from honeybee behavior to algorithm design. Research interests include honeybee nutrition, immune responses, pathogen impacts, and the application of citizen science in ecological studies. Key projects involve tracking honeybee behavior, analyzing pollen diversity, and developing robotic systems inspired by swarm dynamics. Collaborative efforts with citizen scientists enhance ecological data collection. Publications highlight advancements in understanding bee health, pesticide effects, and swarm robotics. His interdisciplinary approach addresses both biological and technological challenges in apiculture and robotics.
Dr. Colin Garroway is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on understanding how population-level processes influence biodiversity at genetic, population, and species levels. He employs interdisciplinary approaches, including genomics, ecological modeling, and data synthesis, to address challenges in conservation and climate change impacts. His work often targets systems undergoing significant environmental changes, such as urbanized areas and Arctic ecosystems. Dr. Garroway teaches advanced courses in Evolutionary Genetics and Evolutionary Biology. His research emphasizes the interplay between human-driven environmental changes—such as urbanization and climate warming—and their effects on genetic diversity, species distribution, and adaptation. He leads the Garroway Lab, which collaborates on global projects like biodiversity assessments in protected areas and epigenetic studies in wildlife. Key research themes include: biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation genetics, urban evolution, and the genetic consequences of human activities. His work integrates field studies, genomic analyses, and computational models to provide actionable insights for conservation strategies.
Kim Bjerge serves as Associate Professor and Group Leader in Aarhus University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in computer vision and machine learning applications for ecological monitoring. His research bridges engineering and environmental science to develop innovative solutions for insect biodiversity assessment and sustainable agriculture. His core research interests include computer vision, deep learning, and edge computing systems for real-world ecological monitoring. Dr. Bjerge develops time-lapse camera pipelines and deep learning models specifically for insect population tracking in natural environments, with emphasis on agricultural applications like black soldier fly farming and biodiversity conservation. His work integrates signal processing techniques with biological data to create field-deployable monitoring systems. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward practical implementations of computer vision in entomology, particularly focusing on edge processing for camera traps, automated trait prediction in insect farming, and biodiversity monitoring systems. Key research areas include nocturnal insect monitoring, floral environment analysis, and developing specialized datasets like AMI for insect identification in wild settings. He leads multiple significant research projects funded through competitive grants: MAMBO: Modern Approaches to Monitoring Biodiversity (2022-2026) FLYgene: Sustainable Insect Production for Livestock Feed (2022-2026) Automatisk monitering af nataktive insekter: Automatic nocturnal insect monitoring (2024-2029) Pilotprojekt for automatisk registrering af invasive plantearter: Invasive species monitoring (2020-2021) As head of the Signal Processing and Machine Learning research group, Dr. Bjerge directs interdisciplinary teams developing computer vision solutions for biological monitoring systems. His laboratory focuses on creating robust field-deployable technologies including scanner-based arthropod imaging systems, time-lapse camera networks for floral environments, and edge AI processors for real-time insect monitoring in agricultural settings.
Dr. Steven Jacobsen is a Professor in the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he leads the Jacobsen Lab. His work focuses on epigenetic inheritance and gene regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana and mammalian stem cells, utilizing genetic screens, genomics, epigenomics, and biochemical approaches. The lab also pioneers CRISPR-mediated genome editing techniques. University: University of California, Los Angeles Department: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Research Interests: Jacobsen's research spans multiple interconnected domains in epigenetics, including DNA methylation patterning, histone modification interplay, and transposable element silencing. His team investigates how chromatin structure influences gene expression and epigenetic inheritance, with applications from plant development to human health. Key areas include: CRISPR-based epigenetic modifications RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms Chromatin compaction via MORC proteins Histone variant functions in methylation Transposon control in plant genomes Comparative epigenomics across species Advising Legacy: Over two decades, Dr. Jacobsen has mentored 21 former lab members who now hold academic and industry positions globally, including professors at Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Georgia, and Southern University of Science & Technology. His lab's publications reveal a consistent focus on DNA methylation dynamics, chromatin remodeling, and small RNA pathways, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR innovations and structural insights into epigenetic regulators.
Jessica Forrest is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly plant-pollinator interactions, climate change impacts on pollinators, and the ecological consequences of phenological shifts. She studies native bees, their interactions with plants, and how agricultural practices can benefit from native bee ecology. Her work spans field studies in natural and agricultural landscapes, emphasizing pollinator conservation and climate adaptation. Notable projects include investigations into bee nesting habitat enhancement in orchards, the effects of drought on alpine bees, and the role of floral traits in pollinator attraction. Research Themes: Pollination ecology, climate change biology, bee behavior, and agricultural sustainability. Labs/Teams: Leads the Forrest Lab at the University of Ottawa, involving graduate and undergraduate students in field and lab-based studies. Her recent work highlights the importance of Asteraceae pollen in protecting mason bees from brood parasites and the complex effects of temperature on bee reproductive success in high-elevation habitats. Students advised include Lydia, Michelle, Natasha, Roisin, Tovah, and others, with projects ranging from bee cognition to agricultural pollination systems. The Forrest Lab collaborates widely, addressing applied and theoretical questions in pollinator ecology.
Sezgin YILDIZ is a Lecturer at the Department of Social Studies Education, Faculty of Education, Adıyaman University since 2011. He holds a PhD in Geography from Atatürk University's Institute of Social Sciences (2025) and a B.Ed. from Erzurum Atatürk University's Department of Geography Education (2008). Before joining academia, he worked as a Geography Teacher in the Turkish Ministry of National Education (2008-2011). His research focuses on tourism development, geography education, and geotourism potential assessment. Notable projects include analyzing Adıyaman Province's canyon systems for geopark designation and examining the impact of recent earthquakes on tourism activities. He has contributed to studies on rural development through botanical tourism (e.g., Nargis flower in Gerger district) and cave-based geotourism opportunities. Teaching responsibilities include courses like 'Economy and Entrepreneurship,' 'Disaster Management,' and 'Political Geography.' He maintains active engagement with community service practices and educational innovation initiatives.
Samo Smrke is a Researcher at the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, specializing in the Coffee Competence Centre and Analytical Technologies. His work focuses on advancing coffee science through projects like the SCA Coffee Expertise Program and collaborations with industry leaders such as Nespresso and Julius Meinl. He has led multiple research initiatives including studies on coffee freshness, roasting effects, aroma release mechanisms, and packaging technologies. Smrke's research interests span coffee chemistry, analytical techniques, and sensory analysis. He has published extensively on topics such as degassing kinetics of roasted coffee, antioxidant generation during roasting, and aroma modulation in instant coffee products. His work often employs advanced methods like proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and gravimetric analysis. He is a co-author of influential books including The Coffee Freshness Handbook and The SCA Water Quality Handbook , which provide foundational knowledge for industry professionals. Smrke’s projects frequently bridge academic research with practical applications, addressing challenges in coffee production, storage, and quality assurance.
Juan Solomon serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research lab operates from Building FA, Room 226d (Mail Stop 202), with direct contact via (775) 784-6888 or juansolomon@unr.edu. Education: B.S. in Agriculture, University of Guyana (2000) Graduate Diploma in Education-Science, University of Guyana (2005) M.S. in Agriculture, Mississippi State University (2010) Ph.D. in Agriculture, Mississippi State University (2013) Research Focus: Dr. Solomon's work centers on grassland ecology and sustainable pastoral systems for ruminant livestock, with emphasis on grazing management, forage quality evaluation, and drought-tolerant crop development. His research program investigates water use efficiency in semiarid forage systems, nutrient cycling dynamics, and climate-resilient crop screening—particularly for native and improved forages in arid western environments. Field studies often integrate ecosystem service valuation with practical livestock production metrics. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates concentrated expertise in alternative forage systems, with 15 high-impact studies examining teff double-cropping, industrial hemp varietals, and cover crop nutrient cycling in Nevada's semiarid landscapes. Key methodological approaches include deficit irrigation analysis, nitrogen optimization trials, and biomass decomposition modeling—all targeting resource-efficient agricultural solutions for water-limited regions.
Dr. Ivett Orsolya Bacskay is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Szeged. Her research focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of separation science, particularly in liquid chromatography, with expertise in retention mechanisms, mass transfer, and stationary phase characterization. Research Interests: Her work spans several key areas in analytical chemistry, including hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), size-exclusion chromatography, chiral separations, pore size distribution analysis, and molecular imprinting for artificial antibody development. She investigates both theoretical models and practical applications in chromatographic systems. An analysis of her recent publications (2010–2025) reveals a strong emphasis on improving chromatographic efficiency and understanding molecular interactions in separation processes. Her studies frequently address challenges in hold-up volume determination, overloading effects, and mass transfer in various stationary phases, contributing significantly to the advancement of HPLC and LC-MS methodologies. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific details about students or funded projects are not listed, her active research output and faculty position suggest involvement in mentoring graduate students and securing research support. She has contributed to interdisciplinary studies involving neuropharmacology and plant biochemistry, indicating collaborative research efforts. Labs and Teams: Dr. Bacskay is part of the Institute of Chemistry at the University of Szeged, where she conducts research within the Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. Her work likely involves collaboration with analytical chemistry research groups focusing on method development, column technology, and environmental or pharmaceutical analysis.
Wiebke Kirleis is Professor for Environmental Archaeology and Archaeobotany at the Institute for Pre- and Protohistory, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU). She has held this position since May 2014 and was previously a junior professor at the same university from 2008 to 2014. She is actively involved in major interdisciplinary research projects, including the Cluster of Excellence ROOTS and the Collaborative Research Centre 1266 'Scales of Transformation', where she serves as co-speaker and technical platform speaker. PhD in Natural Sciences, University of Göttingen (2002) Diploma in Biology, University of Göttingen (1998) Studies in Botany, Anthropology, and Environmental History, University of Göttingen (1990–1998) Wiebke Kirleis' research centers on the interaction between humans and plants during the late Pleistocene and Holocene, with a focus on plant economy, domestication, agricultural development, and landscape transformation. Her work explores how wild and cultivated plants were used for nutrition, ritual, and technical purposes, and how agricultural innovations such as ploughing and manuring impacted Central European landscapes. She has a strong geographical focus on Northern and Central Germany, Southeastern Europe, the Near and Middle East, and Southeast and East Asia, particularly Indonesia. Her methodological expertise includes archaeobotany (analysis of charred and waterlogged plant remains), palynology (pollen and spore analysis from sediment cores), and anthracology (study of charcoal remains). Her recent research includes studies on broomcorn millet diffusion, early farming in Scandinavia and Russia, and plant use in Bronze Age settlements across Europe and Turkey. She leads and collaborates on numerous interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing the integration of botanical data into broader archaeological narratives. Her publications reflect a consistent trend in environmental archaeology, focusing on plant domestication, agricultural transitions, and human-induced landscape change. Keywords across her recent work include archaeobotany, palynology, Neolithic and Bronze Age subsistence, and environmental reconstruction. Her research spans subfields such as food security, cultural transmission of plant use, early monumentality, and socio-economic aspects of prehistoric agriculture. Board member, Cluster of Excellence ROOTS Co-speaker, CRC 1266 'Scales of Transformation' Speaker, ROOTS Technical Platform Board member, Johanna-Mestorf-Akademie Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, Dithmarschen Stone Age Park (since 2023) Full member, German Archaeological Institute (DAI) Elected member, Commission for Archaeology of Non-European Cultures (KAAK) Wiebke Kirleis has supervised numerous research projects funded by the DFG and other agencies, including the Graduate School 'Human Development in Landscapes'. She has advised students and collaborated internationally with institutions in Italy, Norway, Indonesia, and Australia. Her leadership roles in academic self-administration include serving on planning, budget, and equality committees at CAU Kiel. She is committed to science communication, having launched the digital exhibition 'Alles bleibt anders' and produced educational films on archaeobotany. She is also involved in mentoring female postdocs through the via:mento program. She leads the archaeobotanical component in the 'Superfood' module of the SFB 1266 digital exhibition and is actively involved in the ROOTS Cluster’s Subcluster 'Dietary ROOTS'. Her lab and research team operate within the Institute for Pre- and Protohistory, contributing to the university’s strong focus on interdisciplinary landscape archaeology.
