Ning Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at James Madison University (JMU), joining in 2024. Her research focuses on enhancing crop resilience through molecular and biochemical studies of plant defense mechanisms against bacterial pathogens, alongside developing genome editing technologies for trait improvement. She holds a PhD in Horticulture and Crop Science from The Ohio State University (2016), an MS in Silviculture from Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University (2011), and a BS in Landscape Architecture from Shandong Agricultural University (2008). Research Interests: Dr. Zhang's lab investigates plant immunity pathways, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing applications, and engineering crops for disease resistance. Her work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry to tackle challenges posed by climate change and biotic/abiotic stresses. Recent Trends in Publications: Her articles concentrate on MAPK signaling pathways, NLR protein interactions, PP2C phosphatase regulation, and bacterial effector mechanisms in tomato and other crops. Key themes include immune system activation, pathogen recognition diversity, and transgenic plant development. Lab Information: The Zhang Lab at JMU is part of the Department of Biology, focusing on plant biotechnology solutions for agricultural sustainability. They collaborate on projects involving CRISPR-based gene editing and stress tolerance research.
Yin Bao is an Assistant Professor in Plant and Soil Sciences and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware since 2023, previously holding the same position at Auburn University's Department of Biosystems Engineering (2019-2023). He holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering from China Agricultural University (2012) and a PhD in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University (2018), followed by postdoctoral research there until 2019. His research focuses on automation technology for agriculture and forestry, leveraging robotics, machine learning, and sensing systems to develop tools for precision farming and plant phenotyping. Key areas include unmanned systems (UGVs/UAVs), spectral imaging, and AI-driven predictive models for crop and livestock management. Recent work emphasizes automated inventory systems for forest nurseries, UAV-based vegetation assessment, and machine learning applications in crop yield prediction. His publications span robotic guidance systems, root segmentation in X-ray CT scans, and equine gait analysis using deep learning. Notable projects include the Robotic Assay for Drought (RoAD) system and the 'smart canopy' sorghum initiative. Collaborative efforts involve integrating multifrequency microwave sensing and electronic nose technologies for crop quality analysis.
Manu Magar is a Researcher at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Western Australia , with a focus on plant genetics and climate resilience. They also hold an external position as a Biotechnologist at the National Biotechnology Research Center, Nepal Agricultural Research Council since May 2014. M.Sc.Ag. in Agricultural Science from Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University (2012) B.Sc.Ag. in Horticulture from Tribhuwan University (2009) Research Interests Their work centers on plant breeding , gene expression , and crop genomics to combat heat stress in wheat. Key areas include transcription factor analysis , ERF gene regulation, and drought tolerance mechanisms. Article Trends Magar’s publications (2022–2025) emphasize AP2/ERF superfamily genes in wheat, heat tolerance pathways, and ethyline signaling during grain filling. Their work bridges genomic studies and transcription factor roles in stress response. Collaborations & Research Active in international collaborations between Australia, Nepal, and India, Magar contributes to crop improvement via genomic analysis and biotechnology .
David L Jordan is the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. His appointment consists of 50% Extension, 25% Research, and 25% Academic responsibilities. He serves as a Crop Science Extension Specialist with a focus on peanut production and weed management, working closely with the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, private consultants, industry representatives, and farmers. Dr. Jordan received his educational background from North Carolina State University and the University of Arkansas: PhD in Agronomy, University of Arkansas, 1993 MS in Crop Science, North Carolina State University, 1988 BS in Agronomy, North Carolina State University, 1985 AS, Chowan College, 1983 Dr. Jordan's research focuses primarily on peanut-based cropping systems, integrated pest management in peanut production, and the applied biology and management of weeds. His work addresses critical challenges in sustainable agriculture, including herbicide resistance management, crop rotation strategies, and aflatoxin mitigation in peanut production. He has developed significant expertise in developing risk tools to assist peanut growers and their advisors manage pests. His international work extends to Africa, where he collaborates with colleagues to develop more effective and sustainable pest management strategies for peanut (groundnut) and to improve food safety through aflatoxin mitigation. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on optimizing agricultural practices for peanut, cotton, and soybean production. Key themes include crop rotation effects on weed populations, nematode management in peanut systems, herbicide resistance evolution in agricultural weeds, and international peanut production practices. His research integrates field studies with practical extension applications to address real-world agricultural challenges across multiple continents. Dr. Jordan has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: Fellow of multiple professional societies including the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Weed Science Society of America, and Southern Weed Science Society William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor (2015) Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement, North Carolina State University (2022) Outstanding Extension and Engagement Award, North Carolina State University (2022) Dow AgroSciences Award for Excellence in Education from the American Peanut Research and Education Society (2010) Dr. Jordan has mentored numerous graduate students, serving as advisor or co-advisor for 3 MCS, 13 MS, and 12 PhD students, and has served on 40 MS, 45 PhD, and 7 MA graduate committees. His grant funding totals over $11.9 million from Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (1993-1996) and North Carolina State University (1996-present). He has led multiple USAID-funded international projects focused on peanut production and aflatoxin mitigation in countries like Ghana, Haiti, and Malawi. Dr. Jordan leads a comprehensive research and extension program focused on peanut production systems. His work involves close collaboration with multiple departments at NC State including Entomology and Plant Pathology and Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Internationally, he works with colleagues across Africa to develop sustainable pest management strategies. His program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration among many individuals, disciplines, and institutions with the common goal of improving the quality of life of people through agricultural improvements, education, and science.
Dr. Yunfei Jiang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture. Her research focuses on improving crop resilience to climate change and sustainable agronomic practices in Atlantic Canada, with expertise in agronomy, crop physiology, and environmental stress responses. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Science from the University of Saskatchewan (2017), an M.Sc. from Dalhousie University (2013), and a B.Sc. in Horticulture from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (2010). Her research includes evaluating enhanced efficiency fertilizers, biochar, and intercropping systems to enhance soil health and crop yields. She teaches courses such as AGRN2001 (Cereal-Based Cropping Systems) and PLSC2001 (Plant Propagation Techniques). Funding and awards details, along with her graduate students' projects, are available on her lab website at jiangdal.ca . Dr. Jiang is affiliated with professional organizations including the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists and the American Society of Agronomy. Her lab, the Agronomy and Crop Physiology (ACP) Lab, emphasizes sustainable agriculture and crop adaptation to environmental challenges. Contact her via email at yunfei.jiang@dal.ca or visit her lab's address: PO Box 550, Truro, NS B2N 5E3.
Dr. Laura L. Van Eerd is a Professor of Sustainable Soil Management at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, affiliated with the School of Environmental Sciences. Her research focuses on biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and carbon in agroecosystems, emphasizing cover crops, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. She holds a BSc (Env), MSc, and PhD from the University of Guelph. Her research addresses: (1) cover crop roles in soil health and productivity, (2) nitrogen use efficiency, and (3) mitigating environmental impacts of agricultural practices. Current projects include cover crop nitrogen losses, remote sensing for crop nitrogen deficiency, and pest control product environmental impacts. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including the 2018 Best Paper in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science. Education: BSc (Environmental Science), University of Guelph MSc, University of Guelph PhD, University of Guelph Her awards include recognition as one of Canada’s Influential Women in Agriculture (2020), the Dr. Ron Pitblado Teaching Excellence Award (2016), and the OAC Distinguished Extension Award (2011). Her work bridges research, teaching, and extension to support Ontario’s agricultural sector. Advising and grants: Laura leads research teams at Ridgetown Campus, focusing on vegetable production systems and sustainable soil management. Her grants include funding for cover crop nitrogen dynamics and soil health indicator studies. Labs/teams: Active in Ridgetown Campus’s agricultural research initiatives, collaborating with growers and government to develop practical solutions for soil health and environmental sustainability.
Richard DUNCAN is a Professor in Conservation Biology at the University of Canberra's Science School and Department of Centre for Conservation and Ecology Genetics. His research focuses on the ecology of invasive species, particularly understanding how introduced species arrive, establish, and spread in new environments. Key areas include invasive weeds and pests, ecological community structure, and applying quantitative methods to address both fundamental and applied ecological questions. Education: PhD in Forest Ecology, University of Canterbury (1989, award date noted as 2024 in text) Research Interests: His work spans invasive species ecology, population dynamics, and restoration strategies. He employs diverse methods including field experiments, modeling, and genomics, with recent focus on grasslands and aquatic systems. Current projects address amphibian chytrid fungus, carp invasions, and rodent control. Articles Trends: Recent publications emphasize invasive species impacts on ecosystems, pathogen-driven niche contractions, and conservation tools like geospatial modeling and genomic simulations. Themes include species distribution modeling, pest management, and restoration ecology. Awards & Grants: Lead investigator on 35+ projects, including ARC Plant Biosecurity Training Centre and chytrid fungus mitigation efforts Associate Editor for Proceedings of the Royal Society B and Diversity and Distributions Advising: Accepting PhD students in invasive species ecology, with focus on using biological invasions to explore ecological theory and management applications. Labs/Teams: Collaborates widely on conservation genetics, aquatic invasions, and biosecurity, including work with the Biological Heritage Science Challenge and Indigenous Grasslands Trust.
Professor Oula Ghannoum is a renowned plant scientist and academic leader at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University. She serves as Director of the ARC Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture and holds leadership roles, including Biological Sciences Discipline Lead and Associate Editor at Functional Plant Biology . Her research focuses on photosynthesis, global change biology, and protected cropping, aiming to enhance food security and climate resilience through crop improvement and sustainable agricultural practices. Education: BSc (Honours) in Plant Biochemistry, University of NSW (1993) PhD in Plant Physiology, Western Sydney University (1998) Research Interests: Professor Ghannoum’s work addresses global challenges like food security and climate change by exploring plant responses to environmental stress. Her lab uses advanced technologies like smart glasshouses and hyperspectral imaging to optimize crop yield and quality. Key areas include sugar signaling pathways in C3/C4 plants, water use efficiency, and heat tolerance in cereal crops. Grants & Funding: She has secured over $25M in research funding, leading projects on C4 photosynthesis, automated crop monitoring, and protected cropping systems. Notable collaborations include the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis and Future Food Systems CRC. Awards: 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Award 2023 Education and Outreach Award (Australian Society of Plant Scientists) 2001 ARC Postdoctoral Fellowship Labs & Teams: Her team develops innovative frameworks for sustainable horticulture, combining biology with AI and smart technologies. Ongoing work includes imaging-based crop monitoring and phenotyping for climate-resilient crops.
Dr. John M. Ruter is the Allan M. Armitage Professor and Director of the UGA Trial Gardens within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. His work integrates plant breeding, genetics, and sustainable nursery crop production, focusing on ornamental plants for southeastern landscapes. Education: B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture, California Polytechnic State University (1984) M.S. in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design, University of Tennessee (1986) Ph.D. in Horticultural Science, University of Florida (1989) Research interests include developing climate-resilient ornamental plants (e.g., Camellia oleifera , hibiscus, crape myrtle), mutation breeding via gamma irradiation, and optimizing nursery production systems. Recent projects focus on polyploid conifer evaluation and tea oil crop development for the southeastern U.S. Recent publications highlight advancements in induced mutagenesis (EMS, gamma irradiation), disease resistance screening (Cercospora leaf spot), and genetic characterization of native and ornamental species. Key subfields include ornamental breeding , genomic analysis , and sustainable production practices . As Director of the UGA Trial Gardens, he leads plant evaluation programs that inform regional landscaping decisions and cultivar development.
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.
Prof. Dr. Michael Schloter serves as Director of the Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis at Helmholtz Munich since 2011 and holds a Professorship in Microbiology at the Technical University of Munich since 2010. He concurrently acts as Principal Investigator at both the German Center for Lung Diseases (DZL) and the Central for Food and Nutrition (ZIEL) at TU Munich, driving interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environmental and human health through the "Planetary Health" framework. His educational foundation was built through diploma studies at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich and doctoral research at the University of Bayreuth, followed by formative work in Brazil and the United States where he pioneered bioinocula development for stress-resilient agriculture. At Helmholtz Munich (formerly GSF), he evolved from group leader in soil microbial ecology (2001) to Research Unit Director, expanding his focus from agricultural systems to human microbiome-health connections. Dr. Schloter's research program centers on microbiome-host crosstalk across ecological scales, investigating how environmental microbiota interact with human and plant microbiomes to influence health outcomes. His work integrates ecological theory with microbiome analysis to decode host-microbe co-evolution patterns, with applications spanning sustainable agriculture, allergy prevention, and infection control. Key thematic pillars include holobiont theory, probiotic development, and microbiome-mediated disease prevention through environmental quality improvement. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals a strategic research portfolio bridging fundamental and applied microbiome science. Agricultural studies dominate (maize, potato, apple systems), examining microbial inoculants and soil management, while human health investigations explore preterm birth complications and Antarctic mammal microbiomes. Computational approaches for antimicrobial resistance assessment and ecosystem-scale projects like JenaTron demonstrate methodological breadth, all converging on translating microbiome functionality into real-world sustainability solutions. Major recognitions include: Election to the Bavarian Academy of Science (2021) Consistent placement among the top 1% of highly cited global researchers (2019-2021) Heinrich Baur Research Award (2011) for agricultural microbiology contributions As Research Unit Director, Schloter leads large-scale collaborative initiatives including the DZL and ZIEL consortia, securing major funding for microbiome standardization projects and international research networks. His leadership extends to developing analytical frameworks for cross-ecosystem microbiome comparisons and establishing protocols for translating microbial ecology principles into clinical and agricultural applications. The Comparative Microbiome Analysis unit operates as a nexus for multi-host microbiome research, employing comparative genomics, field-scale agricultural trials, and clinical cohort studies to investigate microbiome dynamics across environmental, plant, and human systems. Current infrastructure includes advanced sequencing facilities and experimental platforms for plant-microbe and host-microbe interaction studies under controlled and natural conditions.
Feng Feng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University, where he has been employed since August 2020. His research focuses on understanding how plants interact with microbial communities in their rhizosphere under various environmental conditions. Dr. Feng received his Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China (2008-2012), followed by an M.S. in Microbiology and B.S. in Biotechnology from Henan Agricultural University in Zhengzhou, China. Ph.D., Plant Molecular Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (2008-2012) M.S., Microbiology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China (2005-2008) B.S., Biotechnology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China (2001-2005) Dr. Feng's research interests center on plant-microbe interactions, particularly how plants balance immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways when encountering both pathogenic and beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere. His work examines how environmental conditions affect plant decisions to promote or inhibit microbial colonization, with the goal of developing cropping systems that require less chemical fertilizer and are more resilient to climate change. Using molecular, cell biology, genetic, and biochemical approaches, his lab investigates how abiotic environmental factors regulate plant-microbe interactions and how immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways influence broader microbial communities. Dr. Feng's scholarly output shows a consistent focus on plant immunity and symbiosis mechanisms, particularly involving LysM receptor-like kinases and their role in distinguishing between pathogenic and symbiotic microbial signals. His recent work has increasingly emphasized the ecological context of plant-microbe interactions and the potential applications for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Feng serves as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology (since 2022) and has editorial roles with several other journals including Frontiers in Plant Science, Horticultural Plant Journal, and iMeta. Associate Editor, Frontiers in Microbiology (2022-present) Editorial Board, Frontiers in Plant Science (2021-present) Editorial Board, Horticultural Plant Journal (2021-present) Editorial Board, iMeta (2021-present) Dr. Feng actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with his lab currently recruiting Ph.D. students and postdocs interested in plant-microbe interactions. He has secured multiple research grants including funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms by which plants regulate their interactions with rhizosphere communities, with particular focus on how environmental conditions influence the balance between immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways.
Luca Sebastiani is a Full Professor in Horticultural Sciences (AGR/03) at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy, since 2014. He currently coordinates the PhD Course in AgroBioSciences and has previously served as Director of the Institute of Life Sciences (2016-2021). His academic career includes roles as Associate Professor (2002-2014) and Assistant Professor (1998-2002) at the same institution. PhD in Plant Biology from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (1996) MSc in Agricultural Sciences from University of Pisa (cum laude, 1991) Postdoctoral research in agricultural biotechnology (1996-1998) Research Interests: Focus on plant-environment interactions, particularly abiotic and biotic stress responses in crops. Key areas include: Physiological and molecular responses to climate change stressors Nutraceutical enhancement of food crops Plant germplasm conservation using molecular markers Agriculture 4.0 integrating AI, IoT, and robotics Phytoremediation using poplar and Brassica species Scientific Contributions: His work bridges molecular mechanisms (aquaporin function, heavy metal transport) with ecosystem-level applications (precision irrigation, contaminant phytoremediation). Recent publications emphasize genome sequencing, stress tolerance modeling, and nutraceutical food development. ISHS Medal for SapFlow Workshop organization (2011) Giovanni Spitali Foundation Award for PhD dissertation (1998) Collaborations: Extensive international collaborations with institutions like Beijing Forestry University, Comenius University, and Purdue University. Currently supervises projects in plant phenotyping, omics technologies, and sustainable crop management.
Simone D. Castellarin is a Professor in the Department of Applied Biology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and holds the Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Viticulture. His research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms governing berry ripening and composition in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, with emphasis on genomic regulation under environmental stressors like heatwaves and drought. PhD in Plant Biology from the University of Udine (2007) Postdoctoral training at Hochschule Geisenheim University and University of California Davis Research areas include terpene biosynthesis, jasmonate signaling, cuticular wax dynamics, and agronomic strategies for climate change mitigation. Key projects involve remote sensing for vineyard zoning , hormone application effects , and genetic studies of berry quality traits . His work spans collaborations with industry bodies like the BC Wine and Grape Council and academic partners including the Cantu Lab at UC Davis. Recent publications highlight genomic analyses of terpene synthases, water deficit impacts on metabolites, and postharvest quality assessments. Awards include the 2009 Rudolf Hermanns Prize for viticultural research. He supervises numerous PhD and Master's students, and leads the Castellarin Lab at UBC's Wine Research Centre.
Zsofia Szendrei is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her work spans teaching (10%), research (40%), and extension (50%), focusing on vegetable production entomology. She leads the Szendrei Lab, which explores chemical ecology, biological control, and sustainable pest management. Her research emphasizes reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides through integrated approaches like habitat manipulation and molecular detection of trophic interactions. She collaborates closely with growers and extension educators to implement practical solutions for vegetable pest challenges. Education: M.Sc. in Horticulture (Hungary, 2001), Ph.D. in Entomology (MSU, 2005). Professional roles include Co-Editor-in-Chief of American Entomologist (2021–present) and leadership in MSU's Extension programs. She prioritizes student mentorship, fostering creativity and hands-on research in a collaborative lab environment. Key research themes include agroecology, pest-behavioral interactions, and pollinator conservation. Her extension efforts target reducing insecticide use while maintaining crop profitability. Recent work investigates heatwave impacts on crop-pest dynamics and pollinator protection. She has authored/co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on topics like cover crops, pathogen management, and invasive species. Her lab’s findings inform both academic discourse and real-world agricultural practices.
