Sophie Kratschmer is a researcher at the Institute of Zoology of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). Her work focuses on wild bee biodiversity, agroecology, landscape ecology, and pollination dynamics in both urban and agricultural contexts. Research Interests : Kratschmer investigates anthropogenic impacts on wild bee communities, including management intensities in agroecosystems, habitat quality, and nesting resource availability. Her studies integrate spatial ecology, telemetry for tracking bee behavior, and biodiversity monitoring of meadow orchards. She explores interactions between honeybees and wild bees, emphasizing sustainable urban and agricultural planning. Scientific Awards : BOKU Teaching Award 2023 BOKU Talent Awards 2021 BOKU Best Paper Awards 2018 Prize of the Austrian Entomological Society (ÖEG) 2018 Best Poster Award at the 12th Hymenoptera Conference 2016 MA22 Scientific Support Award 2015 Advising : She has supervised master theses on topics such as wild bee-hotspot identification, telemetry studies on rare bee species, soil parameters for bee nesting, and analysis of plant-pollinator interactions.
Dr. Paul Cross is a Senior Lecturer in the Environment and Senior Tutor at the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, UK. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and public engagement, with a strong focus on environmental science, pollinator conservation, and sustainable agriculture. His work bridges ecology, engineering, and socio-economic modeling, contributing significantly to understanding pollinator health and agricultural sustainability. His research interests include UAV-based tracking of insect pollinators, beekeeping as a tool for poverty alleviation, zoonotic diseases (particularly E. coli O157), bee morphometrics, and socio-economic methodologies for estimating disease and illegal behaviors. He employs advanced technologies such as radar, machine learning, and UAVs to study pollinator behavior and environmental impacts. His recent publications highlight a strong trend in integrating engineering and ecological sciences, particularly through the development of energy-harvesting bee tracking devices and radar-based monitoring systems. His work spans disciplines from entomology and soil science to public health and climate change, reflecting a highly interdisciplinary approach to environmental challenges. Senior Lecturer in the Environment, Bangor University Senior Tutor Course Director for MSc Conservation and Land Management Member of SENRGy Teaching and Ethics Committees Dr. Cross has supervised multiple PhD students on topics ranging from beekeeping in Tanzania to UAV-based bee tracking and neonicotinoid impacts. He has led or contributed to numerous research projects funded by the Welsh Government, RCUK, and the British Academy, focusing on pesticide hazards, greenhouse gas emissions, and food safety. He is actively involved in public outreach, with media appearances on BBC Countryfile and contributions to The Conversation. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction, climate action, and life on land.
Katherine Kral-O'Brien is an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, focusing on pollinator conservation in agroecosystems and grassland ecosystems. Her research integrates ecological principles with practical conservation strategies, emphasizing butterfly and bee populations in managed and natural landscapes. She holds a PhD in Range Science from North Dakota State University, with prior degrees in Wildlife Biology and Range Science. Her work addresses challenges such as invasive species management, climate change impacts, and methodological improvements in ecological surveys. Key affiliations include the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium and the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Recent projects involve evaluating pollinator responses to conservation practices like prescribed burns and habitat restoration. Research themes include spatiotemporal dynamics of monarch butterflies, plant-pollinator network stability, and the ecological roles of large herbivores. She advocates for community-driven conservation and gender equity in STEM through collaborative initiatives. Current opportunities include seasonal research technician roles in Iowa and Minnesota.
Emily Baird is a Professor at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University , leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sensory ecology , neuroethology , and comparative morphology . Her work focuses on how insects like dung beetles and bumblebees process visual information to guide behavior in diverse environments. Key Collaborations : Dlife Project with University of Southern Denmark and University of Kiel (Human Frontiers Science Project) INVISMO Project with Lund University (Swedish Research Council) Research Themes : 3D micro-CT analysis of insect eyes Neural mechanisms for straight-line orientation Flight control in cluttered environments Mechanical principles of dung beetle ball rolling Techniques : Behavioral experiments, X-ray microtomography, computational modeling, ray-tracing simulations.
Olle Terenius is a Researcher at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at Uppsala University, with additional roles as Project Coordinator at the International Science Programme (ISP) and the University Library's Scholarly Communications Division. His work bridges microbiology, entomology, and vector control research with significant international collaborations across China, India, Thailand, and the Amazon Basin. Dr. Terenius's research primarily focuses on insect microbiota as a proxy for tracking insect movement in natural environments . He has developed innovative methods to determine which environments insects have visited, enabling identification of individuals from similar locations. His work also extends to virus research in silkmoths through collaborations with researchers in Asia, examining diseases affecting tasar silkworms and traditional sericulture practices. Analysis of Terenius's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: intensive investigation of mosquito microbiology (particularly Anopheles species in malaria-endemic regions), comprehensive studies on probiotic applications for silkworm health (focusing on Lactobacillus species against pathogens like Nosema bombycis and BmNPV), and exploration of Amazonian microbial communities for vector control applications. His work spans from fundamental microbial ecology to practical disease control solutions. While no specific scientific awards are explicitly documented in the available information, Terenius's research demonstrates significant impact through citations across multiple platforms including social media, Wikipedia pages, policy documents, and patent references. His publications consistently feature international co-authorship, particularly with researchers from malaria-endemic regions of Brazil, Thailand, and India. Dr. Terenius maintains active research in both laboratory and field settings, with recent work emphasizing the environmental determinants of mosquito microbiota and the development of microbial-based interventions for silkworm disease management. His dual focus on fundamental insect-microbe interactions and practical applications for disease control and sericulture represents a comprehensive approach to entomological research with tangible real-world implications.
Myles Menz is a Senior Lecturer in Zoology and Ecology at James Cook University (JCU), specializing in movement ecology, insect migration, and pollination conservation. He holds a PhD from The University of Western Australia and has conducted postdoctoral research at institutions such as the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Bern. His work integrates field observations, laboratory experiments, and advanced technologies like radar and radio-telemetry to study ecological processes. Menz teaches courses including Tropical Entomology and Biological Invasions, emphasizing hands-on fieldwork in tropical ecosystems. Education: Habilitation (Venia Docendi), University of Bern (2013–2018) PhD, The University of Western Australia (2009–2013) MSc in Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern (2006–2008) Bachelor of Science, The University of Western Australia (2000–2003) Research Interests: Myles Menz’s research focuses on migration mechanisms of insects, conservation of rare plants (e.g., orchids), and the impacts of global change on ecosystems. He explores how light pollution and urbanization affect insect behavior and community structure. His group employs cutting-edge tools like radar entomology and genetic analysis to address these questions. Awards: Perth Zoo Prize for Conservation Research (2013) JCU Inclusive Practice Award (2023) Teaching & Grants: Menz coordinates courses such as Field Studies in the Equatorial Tropics: Borneo and leads the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity (2024–2029). He mentors students in tropical ecology and conservation, emphasizing field-based learning. Labs & Teams: His research group collaborates with global institutions, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address ecological challenges. Key projects include studying pollination networks of endangered orchids and migratory pathways of insects using radar and tracking technologies.
Robert Coulson is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University, serving as Director of the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory (KEL). He holds academic appointments within the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension. His expertise spans Forest Entomology, Insect Ecology, Landscape Ecology, and Landscape-use Management. Education: B.S. Biology, Furman University M.S. Entomology, University of Georgia Ph.D. Entomology, University of Georgia Post-Doctorate, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia Research Focus: Dr. Coulson’s transdisciplinary research addresses ecological and landscape-scale challenges, including insect impacts on forests, prairies, and urban environments. He co-founded the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory to integrate computer applications with ecological science, focusing on decision support systems for environmental management. Key areas include monarch butterfly conservation, roadkill modeling, and invasive species management (e.g., hemlock woolly adelgid). Awards & Recognition: Former Student Association Faculty Achievement Award for Research Award of Merit from Texas Forestry Association A. D. Hopkins Award (Southern Forest Insect Work Conference) J. E. Bussart Award and Fellow of Entomological Society of America Teaching & Publications: Teaches undergraduate forest protection and graduate landscape ecology courses. Authored textbooks Forest Entomology (1984) and Basic Landscape Ecology (2010). Secured $10.5M in research funding, with a Google Scholar h-index of 42 and 133 citations. Labs & Collaborations: Directs the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory (KEL), which develops computational tools for environmental problem-solving. Collaborates on projects involving GIS, ecological modeling, and conservation planning.
Eric Darrouzet is a Lecturer-researcher at the University of Tours, affiliated with the Insect Biology Research Institute (IRBI, UMR CNRS 7261) and the Professional Agrosciences Department. He specializes in chemical ecology, particularly focusing on social insects like the Asian hornet ( Vespa velutina nigrithorax ), invasive species dynamics, and the development of selective control tools. His administrative roles include director of the Professional Agrosciences Department and responsibility for the Master 1 Agrosciences program. Research Themes: Chemical communication in social insects, multi-trophic relationships, invasive species impact, and ecological control methods. Teaching: Physiology, microbiology, animal production, and communication techniques in professional licenses and masters. Public Engagement: Maintains websites ( frelonasiatique.univ-tours.fr ) and a YouTube channel ( YouTube ) to disseminate research on hornets and insect constructions. His work on the Asian hornet includes studies on its biology, thermal tolerance, venom composition, and control strategies. Collaborations include roles in the ADAPIC steering committee and CS3D scientific board. Research outputs span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on chemical ecology, invasive species management, and insect behavior.
Marcello D'Amico holds a Researcher position at the Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (Spanish National Research Council, CSIC), where he has been since May 2021. Previously, he held postdoctoral roles at the Universidade do Porto (2019–2021) and IDAEA-CSIC (2018–2019). He earned his PhD in Conservation Biology from Pablo de Olavide University (2015–present), receiving a distinction for his doctoral work. His research focuses on Road Ecology, Conservation Biology, and Linear Infrastructures, with a particular emphasis on understanding how roads and power lines impact wildlife populations and ecosystems. Key areas include roadkill patterns, species distribution modeling, and the development of mitigation strategies for infrastructure-related ecological disruptions. Recent work highlights include analyzing road orientation effects on wildlife, the role of roadsides in connecting habitats for butterflies, and frameworks for prioritizing species at risk of electrocution by power lines. His contributions to the IUCN CCSG Transport Working Group reflect his engagement in global conservation initiatives. He has received a distinction in his PhD award and maintains active peer-review roles for over 50 journals, including Biological Conservation and Journal of Applied Ecology . His research integrates empirical fieldwork with spatial modeling to address real-world conservation challenges.
Dr. Franz Hölker is a Senior Scientist and Research Group Leader at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB Berlin) and holds the position of Associate Professor (Privatdozent) in Zoology at the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2022, he has served as Programme Area Speaker for 'Aquatic Biodiversity in the Anthropocene' at IGB Berlin, leading research on ecological responses to anthropogenic pressures. Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB Berlin): Senior Scientist, Research Group Leader since 2008 Freie Universität Berlin: Associate Professor (Privatdozent) for Zoology since 2009 2012-2017: Deputy Head of Department Ecohydrology, IGB Dr. Hölker earned his Diploma in Biology from the University of Hamburg in 1992, completed his doctorate there in 1999 on fish bioenergetics in eutrophic lakes, and achieved his Habilitation at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in 2007 with research bridging ecology, behavior, physiology, and modeling in aquatic food webs. Dr. Hölker's research primarily focuses on freshwater ecology with particular expertise in light pollution, ecophysiology, night ecology, ecological modeling, and citizen science. His work investigates how artificial light at night (ALAN) affects aquatic ecosystems, including impacts on fish physiology, insect behavior, and broader ecological community dynamics. He has pioneered research on the ecological consequences of skyglow and developed methodologies for measuring and assessing ecological light pollution. His research group at IGB Berlin employs a combination of field measurements, laboratory experiments, and modeling approaches to understand how light pollution alters species interactions, community composition, and ecosystem functioning in aquatic environments. His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding anthropogenic impacts on freshwater systems. Recent work shows increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, combining ecological field studies with modeling techniques to address complex environmental challenges. His research spans from organism-level physiological responses to ecosystem-level consequences of light pollution, with growing attention to conservation applications and citizen science engagement. The trend in his publications reveals expanding scope from fish ecology to broader ecosystem impacts, with increasing international collaboration and policy relevance. Dr. Hölker has led significant research projects examining the impacts of artificial light at night on freshwater ecosystems, often involving international collaborations across Europe. His work has contributed to policy discussions on sustainable lighting practices through participation in projects like the 'White Paper Citizen Science Strategy 2030 for Germany' and collaborations with lighting professionals to develop ecologically sustainable outdoor lighting guidelines. He leads a research team investigating the ecological impacts of light pollution, with particular focus on how artificial lighting affects nocturnal processes in freshwater ecosystems. His group has developed innovative methodologies for measuring ecological light pollution and has conducted extensive field and laboratory studies to document the impacts of different light spectra and intensities on aquatic organisms. The team's work has significant implications for conservation biology, particularly regarding the protection of nocturnal biodiversity in increasingly illuminated landscapes.
Nik Cunniffe is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, specializing in epidemiological modeling of plant pests and pathogens. His research focuses on developing theoretical and applied models to inform policy decisions regarding disease detection, control, and evolutionary dynamics. Key Research Areas: Theoretical epidemiology (deterministic, stochastic, and spatial models) Applied plant disease management (Phytophthora ramorum, ash dieback) Computational simulation techniques at large spatial scales Projects: Approximate models for complex disease management Stakeholder behavior impact on control efficacy Optimal fungicide resistance strategies Trap/repellent companion plants for virus control Collaborations: Cambridge NERC Doctoral Training Partnership (C-CLEAR DTP) NERC-funded CREATES program Email: njc1001@cam.ac.uk
Anders Forsman is a Professor in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science at Linnaeus University's Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. He serves as the subject coordinator for doctoral education in Ecology, demonstrating his leadership role in academic training. His research spans evolutionary ecology, population dynamics, and conservation biology with a focus on understanding how evolutionary processes contribute to biodiversity across various taxa including insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals. Forsman's research interests center on evolutionary processes that generate diversity in form, color, function, and behavior among living organisms. He investigates how individual variation in functionally important traits affects ecological success of populations and species in changing environments. His work combines behavioral studies, experiments, genetic markers, and theoretical modeling to address fundamental biological questions with applications for conservation biology and sustainable resource management. His research has significant implications for developing more sustainable agricultural, fishing, and forestry practices in the face of climate change. Analysis of Forsman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts across multiple ecosystems. His work spans terrestrial systems (oak forests, moth populations), freshwater environments (riverine fish, pike ecology), and marine contexts (Baltic Sea microbiomes). A recurring theme is examining how biodiversity responds to environmental stressors, with particular attention to spatial patterns, adaptive capacity, and conservation implications. His methodological approach integrates field observations, experimental manipulations, and molecular techniques to provide comprehensive insights into ecological and evolutionary processes. Forsman leads multiple research initiatives including the Evolutionary Ecology group, Fish Ecology research focusing on Baltic coastal predatory fish, and the Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS). His current projects address critical environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, adaptation of forest ecosystems to changing conditions, and effects of river fragmentation on fish populations. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous co-authored publications across diverse ecological topics, demonstrating his ability to bridge disciplinary boundaries to address complex environmental questions.
Chandra Jack is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Clark University, where she leads research on plant-microbe interactions and eco-evolutionary dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Rice University (2011) and a B.A. in Biology from the same institution (2005). Her research program examines how microbial communities influence plant fitness, functional traits, and population structure, with particular focus on invasive species adaptation. The Jack Lab employs experimental, molecular, and computational approaches to study below-ground ecological processes in agricultural and natural systems. Research publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches spanning microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, and invasion science. Recent work explores soil microbiome influences on plant development, rapid evolution in invasive plants, and methodological advances in analyzing plant defensive compounds. The lab maintains an inclusive environment with multiple undergraduate researchers and a graduate student. Current projects include investigations into prairie soil effects on wheat development and habitat-specific microbiome variations in Hypericum perforatum.
Donna Houston is a Professor at Macquarie University's School of Communication, Society and Culture and Deputy Director of Urban Policy and Planning at the Centre for Housing and Urban Research. Her research bridges urban studies, environmental justice, and cultural geography, focusing on climate-affected communities, multispecies cities, and extinction geographies. She co-leads the Shadow Places Network, an international collaboration reimagining climate connections through art and scholarship. Current projects include ARC-funded initiatives on urban wetlands, rewilding, and visual cultures of extinction. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing creative methods like storytelling and participatory photography. Awards include the 2023 Faculty of Arts Teaching Excellence Award and 2024 Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award. Her work spans urban policy, climate adaptation, and decolonizing planning practices. Notable contributions include frameworks for 'care-full' public spaces and multispecies urbanism, integrating ecological and human dimensions of urban environments.
Jess Neumann is an active researcher at the University of Reading, with a focus on interdisciplinary environmental science. Her work spans Landscape Ecology , Hydrology , and Biodiversity studies, often addressing climate change impacts and conservation strategies. ORCID: 0000-0003-3244-2578 Collaborator on 21+ publications (2014–2025) Key journals: Landscape Ecology , Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences , Diversity and Distributions Research Themes: Flood preparedness under uncertainty, nature-based solutions for flood risk, climate-driven species distribution changes, and landscape heterogeneity effects on biodiversity. Her recent work on meteotsunami intensity indexes and social contracts in flood governance highlights cross-sectoral relevance. Scientific Contributions: Developed frameworks for probabilistic flood forecasting Advocates for citizen science in ecological monitoring Explores urban wildlife conservation (e.g., hedgehogs, pheasants) Pioneers ecological data integration across spatial scales
