Professor Stephen Barker is a faculty member in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland (UQ), within the Faculty of Science. He holds the rank of Professor and is actively involved in research supervision and media engagements related to head lice and ticks. His primary research interests include genetics, microbiology, and zoology, with a focus on tick and louse systematics, molecular phylogenetics, and mitochondrial genomics. Education: Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), James Cook University Doctor of Philosophy, Macquarie University Research Interests: Professor Barker’s work revolves around understanding the evolutionary relationships, genetic diversity, and ecological roles of ticks and lice. His studies include tick taxonomy, climate impacts on tick distribution, and the development of methods for controlling parasitic arthropods. He has contributed significantly to mitochondrial genome research, uncovering insights into gene rearrangements and fragmentation in parasitic insects. Funding: Current and past grants include the Development of a membrane-feeding system for Australian paralysis ticks (Queensland grant) and ARC-funded projects on mitochondrial genome function and parasite evolution. Notable collaborations involve studies on tick-borne diseases and global tick phylogenetics. Advising & Grants: Professor Barker has supervised numerous PhD students, including work on tick climate impacts, mitochondrial genomics, and mite systematics. His grants span decades, addressing topics from acaricide resistance to microbial control of veterinary parasites. Labs/Teams: His research group focuses on tick and louse biology, leveraging molecular tools to address ecological and public health challenges posed by these parasites.
Camiel Doorenweerd is a Junior Researcher and Curator of the University of Hawaii Insect Museum's Fruit Fly collections, affiliated with the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. He holds a PhD in Science (2016) and MSc/BSc in Biology (2009/2007) from the University of Amsterdam and Radboud University Nijmegen. His research focuses on insect systematics, taxonomy, and evolutionary processes, particularly in Tephritidae fruit flies and leaf-mining Lepidoptera. Key projects include constructing global fruit fly phylogenies, developing molecular diagnostics for pest species (collaborating with USDA), and exploring host-plant co-evolution. He has extensively studied Hawaiian endemics and invasive species, combining morphological and molecular techniques. His publications span over a decade, emphasizing phylogenetic reconstructions, taxonomic revisions, and biogeographical patterns. Collaborations with institutions worldwide highlight his work on Nepticulidae, Gracillariidae, and Heliozelidae families. His curation role supports biodiversity documentation through standardized collections and digital accessibility. Doorenweerd's research bridges basic and applied entomology, contributing to both academic knowledge and pest management strategies. His involvement in global biodiversity initiatives underscores a commitment to understanding and preserving insect diversity.
Ryan Garrick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi, where he leads the Garrick Lab focusing on population genetics, phylogeography, and biodiversity conservation. His research integrates genomic tools to study evolutionary processes in taxa like Galápagos giant tortoises and southern pine beetles, with an emphasis on conservation implications. Education: B.S. and Ph.D. in Genetics from La Trobe University (2005–2007). His lab has trained numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers, including advising honors theses on topics such as termite population genetics and millipede biodiversity. Key research themes include the genetic basis of species diversification, the impact of historical climate change on genetic structure, and the application of genomics to conservation challenges. Recent work highlights novel insights into lineage fusion in tortoises and phylogeographic patterns in invasive species. Lab members collaborate on projects spanning North America and the Galápagos, with a focus on mentoring students through directed studies and thesis projects. The lab actively recruits graduate students interested in evolutionary biology and conservation genetics.
Brian H Aukema is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center. His research focuses on invasive forest insects, chemical ecology, and integrated pest management strategies. Current projects include studying defoliating insects in Isle Royale, spruce budworm ecology, and symbiotic microbes in invasive beetles like the emerald ash borer. He collaborates with USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and international partners on forest restoration initiatives. His work emphasizes forest entomology , invasive species dynamics , and chemical signaling in insect-plant interactions . Recent publications analyze pheromone-driven behaviors, non-native weevil impacts, and pest threat assessments. Grant funding includes support from the National Science Foundation (U.S.-China collaborations), USDA NIFA, and state agencies for hazelnut production resilience and beetle monitoring frameworks.
Kalev Adamson is a Research Fellow at the Chair of Silviculture and Forest Ecology within the Institute of Forestry and Engineering at Estonian University of Life Sciences. He has been employed in this position since January 2018, following previous roles as a Head Specialist, Junior Research Fellow, and Specialist within the same institution since 2012. His current research focuses on forest pathogens, particularly fungal diseases affecting coniferous trees and the ecological relationships between trees and their microbial communities. Estonian University of Life Sciences (2004-present): Doctoral studies completed in 2017, followed by research positions Mendel University in Brno (2019-2020): Research experience in Czech Republic Forest Research Alice Holt Research Station (2015): UK research experience Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute (2015): Research in Norway Adamson's research interests center on forest pathology, with particular emphasis on invasive fungal pathogens affecting coniferous trees. His work examines the population genetics, distribution patterns, and ecological impacts of pathogens like Lecanosticta acicola (causing brown spot needle blight) and Diplodia sapinea. He also investigates the biology and ecology of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga fungus), including its distribution, impact on wood quality, and medicinal properties. His research integrates molecular techniques with ecological field studies to understand pathogen spread, host-pathogen interactions, and the effects of environmental factors on fungal communities in forest ecosystems. This work is increasingly relevant in the context of climate change and global trade, which facilitate the spread of invasive forest pathogens across geographical boundaries. Analysis of Adamson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on fungal pathogens in forest ecosystems, with particular emphasis on Lecanosticta acicola and Inonotus obliquus. His research spans multiple approaches including population genetics, field epidemiology, laboratory cultivation studies, and ecological community analysis. The work demonstrates a progression from basic pathogen characterization to understanding broader ecological patterns and impacts on forest health. His publications frequently appear in high-impact forestry and plant pathology journals, indicating significant contributions to understanding invasive forest pathogens in European contexts. Adamson is actively involved in numerous research projects, both as principal investigator and team member. Current projects include investigations into improving the success of Chaga fungus cultivation in forests (2024-2027), developing new methods for quarantine rust fungi identification (2024-2027), and European projects on forest adaptation to changing climate conditions. He has participated in multiple COST actions including UB3Guard, PINESTRENGTH, and Global Warning. His work often involves international collaboration with researchers across Europe, reflecting the transnational nature of forest pathogen research. Adamson's laboratory work focuses on forest pathology, with particular expertise in fungal culturing, DNA analysis of pathogens, and field assessment of disease symptoms. His research group collaborates with international partners on projects monitoring invasive pathogens across Europe. The work often involves field sampling across multiple countries, laboratory analysis of pathogen genetics, and ecological modeling of pathogen spread. His research has practical applications for forest management and conservation, particularly in developing strategies to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pathogens in European forests.
Dr. John Gould is a Lecturer in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. His research focuses on conservation biology, particularly the population dynamics of threatened Australian amphibians and the application of management strategies to reduce extinction risk. Dr. Gould earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science from the University of Newcastle, along with a Bachelor of Science (Biological Science) and a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours), also from the University of Newcastle. Dr. Gould's research explores the intersection of animal behavior, natural history, and conservation. His work has led to several discoveries of unknown or poorly described behaviors and species interactions in the wild across amphibians and invertebrates. His research specifically examines key threatening processes such as emerging infectious diseases and introduced fish, as well as management approaches like habitat construction and exclusion fencing. His PhD focused on the reproductive behavior of an Australian ground frog (Lechriodus), including communal spawning and oviposition site selection, which has implications for conserving amphibians that breed in highly ephemeral waterbodies. Dr. Gould's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on amphibian conservation, with particular attention to behavioral ecology, habitat management, and species interactions. His work spans from detailed observations of specific behaviors (like tadpole habitat switching and mosquito feeding strategies) to broader conservation applications (such as fire ecology impacts and exclusion fencing effectiveness). A notable trend is his use of citizen science and innovative identification methods for monitoring threatened species. Dr. Gould serves as a co-supervisor for graduate students, including a Master's student working on an art-based citizen science project about frogs and a PhD student researching the ecology of the threatened Green and Golden Bell Frog in created habitats. He has held teaching appointments as Course Coordinator for several environmental science courses including "Implementing Environmental Resilience and Addressing Complexity," "Biodiversity, Conservation and Management," and "Sustainability and Ecosystem Health." His research collaborations span multiple countries, with significant work conducted in Australia, but also including international partnerships with researchers in Germany, the United States, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and other nations.
Eve Veromann is a Professor of Applied Entomology at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, where she has served since 2020 in the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, specifically within the Chair of Plant Health. Her academic career spans over two decades at the same institution, progressing from Researcher to Professor, with additional international collaborations through Erasmus programs and EU-funded projects. Her research focuses on sustainable plant protection strategies, with particular emphasis on developing RNAi-based approaches for pest control in oilseed rape, implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems including push-pull strategies and companion planting, and studying the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity at both field and landscape levels. Her work examines the complex interactions between agricultural landscapes, pest populations, and natural enemies, particularly parasitoids of oilseed rape pests. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward innovative pest management solutions, with RNAi technology emerging as a central theme in her research. Her work bridges fundamental entomological research with practical agricultural applications, focusing on environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. She has contributed significantly to both theoretical understanding of pest ecology and practical implementation of sustainable farming practices across multiple European projects. 2024 Estonian National Science Award in Agricultural Sciences for research cycle 'Innovative RNAi approach in pest control and implementation of ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture' 2018 Medal of merit from Estonian University of Life Sciences 2015 Letter of thanks for significant contribution to international teaching 2007 Diploma prize in biological and environmental sciences at PhD level Professor Veromann actively supervises numerous doctoral and master's students, with current projects focusing on RNAi applications, landscape ecology effects on pest populations, and sustainable pest management. She has secured substantial funding through competitive grants including EU Horizon 2020 projects, Estonian Research Council grants, and European Commission funding. Her leadership extends to directing major research centers including the Center for Sustainable Land Use (TK232) with 6.99 million EUR funding. She leads the Kreutzwald Renewable Resources Research Center and collaborates extensively with international networks including the European Network of Organic Agriculture Teachers and the Functional Agrobiodiversity Learning Network. Her work integrates laboratory research with field applications, connecting fundamental entomological knowledge with practical farming solutions across Estonia and Europe.
Dr. Sebastian Oberst is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra. His research focuses on vibration and acoustics, mechanical characterization, and vibration/noise control, with particular expertise in microvibrations related to insect communication. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of nonlinear time series analysis, chaotic dynamics, and statistical uncertainty analysis in mechanical systems. Dr. Oberst's primary research interests include: Stability behavior of deployable, flexible structures of nano-satellites Friction-induced vibrations & sound (e.g., automotive disc brake squeal) Vibrational communication in insects (e.g., ants, termites) Mechanical characterization and vibration/noise control Nonlinear time series analysis and chaotic dynamics Statistical and uncertainty analysis in vibration systems His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying advanced signal processing techniques to vibration analysis, particularly in biological systems and engineered structures. Dr. Oberst has pioneered methods for analyzing microvibrations in insect communication and has made significant contributions to understanding brake squeal phenomena through nonlinear dynamics approaches. His work bridges the gap between theoretical vibration analysis and practical engineering applications. Dr. Oberst has secured significant research funding through multiple Australian Research Council grants and industry partnerships: Lead Chief Investigator for "Discovering how termites use vibrations to thrive in a predators' world" (ARC Discovery Project DP200100358, 2020-2022) Chief Investigator for "Metamaterials for control of acoustic radiation forces" (ARC Discovery Project DP200101708, 2020-2022) Chief Investigator for "National Laser-Based Non-Destructive Evaluation System" (ARC LIEF LE180100041, 2018) Lead Chief Investigator for "Bio-inspired vibration-reduction for sensing and detection" (NSW Department of Industry, 2020) Chief Investigator for "Enhanced detection, localisation and identification of sand-covered naval mines" (NSW Department of Industry, 2021) Dr. Oberst teaches across several engineering disciplines including Statics, Dynamics, Thermofluids, Introduction to vibration, Acoustics, Instrumentation, and Statistics. His research lab focuses on experimental and numerical vibration analysis, with particular emphasis on biological vibration systems and engineered mechanical structures. Current projects include developing micro-exciter devices to mimic insect vibration signals, analyzing termite nest morphology, and investigating acoustic radiation forces for contactless manipulation of objects.
Marc A. Branham is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida (UF/IFAS). His work focuses on insect systematics and taxonomy , particularly the evolution and bioluminescence of beetles in the families Phengodidae and Lampyridae (fireflies). He investigates phylogenetic relationships to understand how behavior and morphology evolve in these groups, with an emphasis on Caribbean biogeography . Research areas include bioluminescence evolution, beetle taxonomy, and insect defense mechanisms. Key publications: glow-worm systematics (2004), bioluminescence phylogeny (2001), and Calopteron beetle biology (2007). Publications highlight trends in: Bioluminescence as defensive adaptation Larviform female morphology Phylogenetic analysis of beetle families Contact: Email: marchbran@ufl.edu Office: 2005 Steinmetz Hall, 1881 Natural Area Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611 Laboratory: P.O. Box 110620, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620
Lina Viklund is a Researcher at Mid Sweden University's Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development (NDH) in Sundsvall, actively conducting chemical ecology research on bark beetles and environmental remediation projects. Her doctoral education culminated in a 2024 thesis on aggregation pheromones in Polygraphus bark beetles. Research interests center on: Chemical communication mechanisms in forest pests Development of pheromone-based trapping systems PFAS purification using peat waste and microbial solutions Species-specific semiochemical identification Recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on bark beetle pheromone chemistry across multiple Polygraphus species, with growing emphasis on practical pest management applications. The 2025 Journal of Chemical Ecology paper represents the latest advancement in understanding aggregation pheromone composition across four beetle species. Current research includes an ongoing project: Purification of materials and aquatic environments from PFAS using unwanted peat waste and microbes .
Jérôme Duclercq is a Senior Lecturer HDR at the University of Picardy Jules Verne, specializing in functional genetics, metagenomics, and transcriptional regulation of plant root systems under environmental stress. His research examines phytohormonal control, soil-plant-microbe interactions, and microbial biodiversity for sustainable agriculture, with significant focus on Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) like Sphingomonas . He teaches molecular biology, genetics, plant physiology, and microbial biodiversity while leading multiple funded research projects. Education: Doctor of Cellular and Molecular Biology Dr. Duclercq's research centers on plant responses to biotic/abiotic stresses through functional genetics and metagenomics, particularly investigating Sphingomonas species as biostimulants for crop resilience. His work integrates phytohormone signaling, root system development, and soil microbial communities to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. Key methodologies include qPCR, DGGE, and metagenomic analysis of soil ecosystems under contamination or stress conditions. His publication trends (2018-2023) reveal concentrated expertise in plant-microbe symbiosis, especially Sphingomonas sediminicola 's role in root nodule formation and growth enhancement in pea crops. Research spans soil remediation in trace-element polluted environments, microbial community dynamics under agricultural practices, and molecular mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions, consistently targeting practical applications for sustainable farming systems. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards mentioned in source material Dr. Duclercq actively supervises doctoral research with diverse funding mechanisms: Audrey Bertrand's Roquette-funded thesis on agri-food by-product biostimulation (100% private), Audrey Pecourt's regional-scale microbial bio-inputs project (50% ERDF/50% AgroStation), and previous work with Mazoyon and Alahmad on soil microbial communities. Current projects include ROSTIM (2023-2026), INITIATED (2023-2026), and 3C2B (2023-2024), emphasizing translational research for agricultural innovation. He collaborates with University of Reims Champagne Ardenne (EA 3795 GEGENAA), Vienna Institute of Science and Technology (E. Benkova), and University of Krakow (E. Dubas), utilizing molecular tools to study soil-plant-microbe interfaces. His laboratory focuses on phenotypic plasticity in plants, microbial community profiling, and developing molecular diagnostics for agricultural ecosystems.
Gerald Reeck is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Kansas State University, where he serves as an undergraduate advisor. With a research career spanning over five decades, he has established himself as a leading expert in insect biochemistry and plant-insect interactions. Education: B.A. 1967, Seattle Pacific College Ph.D. 1971, University of Washington Dr. Reeck's research focuses on the biochemistry and molecular genetics of proteins involved in insect-plant interactions, with particular emphasis on aphid saliva proteins and their role in mediating these complex relationships. His work on Armet (MANF) proteins spans both human and insect contexts, providing valuable comparative insights. Additionally, he investigates cereal proteins and their inhibitors, contributing to our understanding of plant defense mechanisms against insect pests. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular mechanisms of insect-plant interactions, particularly through the study of salivary proteins from aphids and other insect pests. His work combines proteomics, transcriptomics, and structural biology approaches to identify and characterize effector proteins that insects use to manipulate plant physiology. The research shows a progression from basic characterization of insect proteins to more sophisticated molecular analyses of host-pathogen interactions and potential applications in agricultural protection. Throughout his career, Dr. Reeck has maintained an active research program resulting in numerous publications across multiple decades, demonstrating sustained contribution to his field of study.
PD Dr. Susanne Neupert is Head of the junior research group "Single cell analysis within neuronal networks" at the Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Kassel. She completed her Habilitation in Zoology at the University of Cologne in 2018 and has led her research group at Kassel since 2019, where she also serves as a Research Assistant. Her research is supported by multiple DFG grants including a Research Training Group (2021-2025) on "Biological clocks on multiple time scales" and a current project (2020-2023) on the circadian clock of the Madeira cockroach. Dr. Neupert's research focuses on the functional and quantitative analysis of neuropeptides and biogenic amines in insect brains that control sleep-wake cycles and feeding behavior. Her work spans analytical chemistry, entomology, neuroscience and neuroethology, with particular emphasis on single-cell level analysis of neural circuits in insects. She employs advanced mass spectrometric techniques (MALDI-TOF, imaging MS, quadrupole orbitrap MS) combined with cell labeling, primary cell cultures, and molecular genetic approaches. Her model organisms include the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, American cockroach Periplaneta americana, and Maderea cockroach Rhyparobia maderae. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on transcriptomics, neuropeptidomics, and mass spectrometry imaging across various insect species. This work reveals detailed molecular mechanisms underlying circadian timing, environmental stress responses, and neural control of behavior at unprecedented single-cell resolution. Best publication in the Journal 'Physiological Entomology' (2011-2012) by the Royal Entomological Society Best PhD thesis at the Biological Pharmacological Faculty at Friedrich-Schiller University Jena (2009) Dr. Neupert supervises a research team including two doctoral students (Deepika Bais and Sohail Shoaib) and four bachelor students (Luisa Asthalter, Anna-Sophie Kügler, Inga Schirmer, and Miguel Theissen). Her laboratory develops cutting-edge methodologies for single-cell analysis, including optimized sample preparation strategies for mass spectrometry with down-scaled volumes. The research group is part of the Graduate School "clocks" at the University of Kassel and collaborates with Prof. Monika Stengl on circadian rhythm studies.
Dr. Heike Sträuber is a Senior Scientist in the Department of Microbial Biotechnology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. She leads research in the Working Group Microbiology of Anaerobic Systems, with additional collaboration with the Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum (DBFZ). Her work focuses on developing and analyzing anaerobic fermentation processes and their integration into biorefinery concepts for sustainable production of green chemicals. Dr. Sträuber earned her MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Leipzig (1992-1997) and completed her PhD at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ and University of Leipzig (1997-2001). Her academic journey includes postdoctoral positions at SIAB – Saxon Institute for Applied Biotechnology (2005) and UFZ (2002-2003), followed by research fellowships at UFZ in the Department of Bioenergy (2010-2014) and Research Group Flow Cytometry (2007-2009). Dr. Sträuber's research focuses on developing and analyzing anaerobic fermentation processes for the production of valuable green chemicals such as carboxylates, hydrogen, and biomethane. Her work specifically targets the conversion of organic agro-industrial waste, plant material, and gaseous substrates into useful products. A significant achievement is the development of the CAPRAFERM® process for producing medium-chain carboxylates from complex biomass, which has potential applications in future biorefineries. She also investigates how carboxylic acids can be produced alongside biogas or biomethane in existing biogas plants, working in close cooperation with the Biochemical Conversion and Biorefineries departments of the DBFZ. Her research methodology combines process engineering with microbial ecology to understand and optimize anaerobic fermentation systems through systematic material and energy flow analyses. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a focused research trajectory centered on chain elongation processes, microbial community dynamics in anaerobic systems, and process optimization for carboxylate production. The research spans fundamental microbial ecology, process engineering, and systems analysis, with increasing integration of machine learning approaches for predicting process performance. Her work addresses critical challenges in sustainable bioproduction, including feedstock utilization, process stability, and integration with existing infrastructure. Dr. Sträuber has been actively involved in several research projects including CapUp, Cell4Chem, PaplGas2, and AcMp, demonstrating her engagement with both fundamental and applied research questions. Her collaborative approach extends to working with both academic and industrial partners to translate laboratory findings into practical applications for sustainable chemical production. Based at the UFZ in Leipzig, Dr. Sträuber contributes to Germany's research infrastructure in sustainable biotechnology and bioeconomy. Her work bridges fundamental microbial research with practical applications, addressing critical challenges in sustainable chemical production including feedstock utilization, process stability, and integration with existing infrastructure. Through her research, she contributes to the development of circular economy approaches that convert waste streams into valuable products, supporting the transition toward more sustainable industrial processes.
Erin Eure serves as an Area Specialized Agent for Agriculture - Commercial Fruits and Vegetables at the Gates County Center, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. Based in Gatesville, NC, she provides educational programs and technical support to commercial growers across 35 northeastern North Carolina counties, bridging university research with on-farm application to strengthen regional fruit and vegetable industries. Her expertise encompasses: Commercial Horticulture and Specialty Crop Production Fruit Cultivation (Watermelon, Strawberry, Sweetpotato) Vegetable Production Systems and Management Integrated Pest Management for Field and Greenhouse Crops Agricultural Technology and Decision Support Tools Sustainable Resource Management in Agriculture Recent publications demonstrate her focus on translating research into practical grower solutions, particularly through watermelon production meetings, sweetpotato field days, and the MyIPM for Vegetables app. Her work emphasizes pest management innovations, climate-resilient practices, and digital tool development to address Southeastern U.S. agricultural challenges. Erin operates within NC State Extension's extensive network, collaborating with county agents across 35 counties and industry partners including the N.C. Watermelon Association and Southeast Vegetable & Fruit Expo organizers. She contributes to statewide initiatives like the Horticultural Crops Research Station programs, facilitating knowledge exchange between researchers, extension specialists, and agricultural producers.
