Frode Ødegaard is an Associate Professor at NTNU's Department of Natural History, specializing in biodiversity and conservation biology of insects. His work spans Norway and international contexts, with a focus on hymenopterans (wasps, ants, bees) and their ecological roles. He authored books like Humler i Norge (Ants in Norway) and Maur i Norge (Ants in Norway), and contributes to national insect monitoring programs through NINA (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research). Key research interests include ant symbionts, parasitic Hymenoptera, and species distribution in Norway. He collaborates extensively on projects like Insektovervåking , tracking pollinators and threatened species. His publications emphasize taxonomic revisions, new species descriptions, and conservation assessments. Notable contributions include documenting new species in Norway (e.g., Xorides indicatorius ), studying bumblebee ecology, and evaluating invasive species impacts. He also leads field surveys and produces popular science materials to enhance public understanding of entomology.
Linda Evans is an Associate Professor in the School of Humanities at Macquarie University, specializing in Egyptology with a focus on environmental history and human-animal relationships in ancient Egypt. Her research explores how ancient Egyptians interacted with non-human animals through religious ideas, art, and philosophy. She has contributed to major projects like the Ancient Cultures Research Centre (MQACRC) and MQRC: Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and Environment (CACHE), collaborating internationally on archaeological sites such as El Hosh. Key projects include studies on petroglyphs, tomb art symbolism, and Egyptian fauna representation. Publications span topics from ancient pest management to genetic diversity of African livestock. Active in heritage communication, as seen in her 2023 study on improving public engagement with archaeological discoveries. Her research interests include animal behavior in art, ecological symbolism, and the intersection of cultural practices with natural history. Evans has led fieldwork at Beni Hassan and El Hosh, producing volumes on tomb art and environmental history. She co-organized the 2017 Weidenbach Symposium, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary academic collaboration.
Mariella Herberstein is a Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, with extensive research contributions in behavioral ecology, arachnology, and thermal biology. Her work focuses on spider behavior (particularly Argiope and Araneidae), damselfly thermal tolerance, mimicry systems, and chemical defenses in insects, with over 200 research outputs and an h-index of 47. Her research interests span animal behavior, entomology, behavioral ecology, arachnology, thermal biology, climate adaptation, chemical ecology, and evolutionary biology. She investigates how organisms adapt to environmental challenges, with particular emphasis on spider web-building behaviors, thermal tolerance mechanisms in Australian insects, and the evolution of mimicry systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong trends in trait-based behavioral ecology approaches, advanced neuroanatomical imaging techniques for small arthropods, climate change impacts on insect thermal physiology, and sexual dimorphism in defensive strategies. Her work bridges fundamental evolutionary questions with practical conservation applications. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor's Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2010) Professor Herberstein actively supervises research projects and collaborates across disciplines, with notable involvement in the Macquarie University Species Spectrum Research Center. Her work includes significant contributions to understanding spider behavior, thermal adaptation in Australian insects, and the mechanisms behind imperfect mimicry systems. She has led multiple research initiatives including 'Unlocking the paradox of imperfect mimicry' and 'Tough stickers: How are thread anchors of spiders structurally optimized and ecologically adjusted?'
Silvia Ulrich is a Researcher at the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research within the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Vienna. Her work focuses on palynology, plant systematics, and the application of microscopy techniques to study pollen morphology and fossil records. She has contributed significantly to understanding angiosperm evolution, plant-pollinator interactions, and paleoecological reconstructions through her research on fossil pollen and contemporary plant species. Her research interests include but are not limited to: the morphological and ultrastructural analysis of pollen grains using SEM and LM, the differentiation of plant taxa via pollen characteristics, and the exploration of paleovegetation patterns through fossil records. She has collaborated extensively on projects involving Miocene and Eocene flora, contributing to studies on the biogeography of relict plant genera and the evolution of pollination systems. Ulrich’s publications highlight her expertise in interdisciplinary approaches, combining palynological data with entomological and geological evidence to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. Her work on pollen-feeding tadpoles and carpenter bees underscores her interest in integrating microfossil evidence with broader ecological questions. She is also involved in database initiatives such as PalDat, advancing standardized pollen terminology and identification tools. While no specific scientific awards are listed, her prolific output (over 65 publications) and active participation in international conferences (e.g., EGU25, 2024) reflect her impactful contributions to botany and palynology. Her research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
Robert Hanner is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph, leading the Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis. He joined the university in 2005 and has pioneered research in molecular biodiversity, focusing on food security, DNA-based bio-surveillance, and environmental DNA (eDNA) applications. His work addresses market substitution in food products, agricultural pest detection, and conservation of aquatic species-at-risk through eDNA technology. Funded by NSERC, OCE, and industry partners, his research integrates citizen science and interdisciplinary collaborations. He directs the Hanner Lab and teaches courses in biodiversity interpretation. Education: B.Sc. from Eastern Michigan University and Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. Previously held roles at the American Museum of Natural History and Coriell Institute for Medical Research, and served as ISBER President. Research interests emphasize DNA barcoding, genetic resource curation, and molecular tools for biodiversity conservation. His lab develops methods for eDNA detection, including real-time field applications for endangered species monitoring. Key collaborations involve Canadian Food Inspection Agency, NGOs, and global partners like Limnotech and SLR Consulting. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications address food fraud, eDNA methodology, and species delimitation. Labs/Teams: Hanner Lab, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, and leadership in the Barcode of Life initiative. Current projects include eDNA-based conservation of species-at-risk and validation of molecular methods for food authenticity.
David Hughes is a Professor of Entomology and Biology at Pennsylvania State University's Department of Biology. He holds affiliations with the Department of Entomology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. His research focuses on parasite manipulation of host behavior, biodiversity of insect parasites, disease transmission in social insect societies, and the intersection of human behavior with epidemics. He has pioneered studies on zombie ant fungi and the extended phenotypes of parasites, combining fieldwork, molecular biology, and computational modeling. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Oxford (2003), B.S. in Zoology from the University of Glasgow (1999). Awards include Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship (2008–2011) and Varley-Gradwell Travelling Fellowship (2004). Key research themes include understanding how parasites like Ophiocordyceps fungi control ant behavior, exploring biodiversity in tropical ecosystems, and developing AI tools for disease surveillance in agriculture and public health. Hughes collaborates across disciplines, leveraging big data and machine learning for global challenges such as crop protection and epidemic response. Recent work includes AI-based dietary assessment tools for adolescents in Ghana, deep learning models for plant disease detection, and climate-driven forecasts for pest outbreaks. His lab also investigates the cultural evolution of cities and its impact on disease dynamics. Current projects emphasize global soil moisture modeling and sustainable agricultural practices for smallholder farmers.
Arūnas Diškus is an Associate Professor at the Department of Preschool and Primary Education within the Education Academy at Vytautas Magnus University. His research focuses on invertebrate zoology, biodiversity inventory, and insect taxonomy with specializations in Neotropical and Caucasian fauna. He leads the KLIGEN research cluster and has authored over 160 publications, emphasizing leaf-mining insects and cryptic species discovery. His work frequently involves molecular phylogenetics and morphological analysis of genitalia structures to classify new species. Research Interests: Invertebrate Zoology, Biodiversity Inventory, Insect Taxonomy, Entomology, Phylogenetic Relationships, Trophic Ecology. His publications analyze Neotropical pygmy moths, Andean Patagonian plant-moth interactions, and cryptic species in Armenia. Recent work highlights high-altitude Tischeriidae species and dry-forest moth phenomena in Honduras. Key contributions include descriptions of genera like Dvidulopsis and Astrotischeria, uncovering biodiversity in understudied ecosystems. Collaborates globally with institutions like the University of Natural Sciences in Colombia and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Manish Kumar is a Postdoctoral Associate in Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, based at the Plant Science Campus in Tifton, Georgia. His research focuses on plant virus ecology, particularly begomoviruses and their interactions with whitefly vectors and host plants. He has conducted extensive studies on tomato chlorosis virus, tomato yellow leaf curl virus, and other begomoviruses affecting economically important crops in the southern United States and globally. His work includes evaluating crop resistance in tomatoes, cucurbits, and okra, as well as investigating viral pathogenesis mechanisms and management strategies. Key areas of interest include viral co-infections, vector transmission efficiency, and the development of sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate disease impacts. Kumar collaborates with the Crop Virology Laboratory in Tifton, contributing to both field trials and molecular studies. Despite his significant contributions to plant virology, no scientific awards have been explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His research has addressed critical challenges in crop protection, including the emergence of new viral strains and their complex interactions with insect vectors and host plants.
Liming Cai is a Professor at the University of Georgia, specializing in computational biology, phylogenetics, and algorithm design. His research integrates bioinformatics with machine learning to address complex problems in genomics and evolutionary biology. He is particularly known for developing novel methods in RNA structure prediction and phylogenetic analysis. Research interests include molecular evolution, plant systematics, and the application of graph theory to biological data. Dr. Cai's work bridges the gap between algorithmic innovation and biological discovery, with a focus on tools like PhyloHerb for genome skimming analysis and k-tree models for structural prediction. His recent articles emphasize advancements in phylogenetic resolution for challenging plant groups (e.g., legumes, parasitic plants), RNA structural modeling, and overcoming computational bottlenecks in large-scale genomic data processing. Academic contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on high-impact journals in computational biology and evolutionary genomics. His research has been applied to understanding plant-insect coevolution, mitochondrial evolution in parasitic plants, and the development of universal DNA barcoding systems.
Prof. Danko Diminić is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, affiliated with the Institute of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management. He holds a PhD in Forestry (1997), Master of Science (1993), and a Graduate Engineer in Forestry (1989). His academic progression includes roles as Assistant Professor (1998–2007), Associate Professor (2007–2011), and Full Professor (2011–2016) before his current distinguished title since 2016. His research focuses on phytopathogenic agents impacting forest and urban trees, particularly fungal pathogens affecting ash (Fraxinus spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), and pine species. Key interests include ash dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus , red deer-induced tree damage, and fungal dynamics in forest ecosystems. He has extensively studied acorn storage techniques and mycobiota effects on seedling health. Recent publications (2020–2025) emphasize fungal pathogens in Croatian forests, ecosystem-based tree revitalization, and wildlife-vegetation interactions. His work bridges applied forest protection with ecological and molecular approaches, addressing both native and invasive species challenges.
Caterina Villari is an Associate Professor in Forest Pathology at the D.B. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia (UGA), and co-director of the Southern Pine Health Research Cooperative. Her research bridges basic and applied forest pathology, focusing on molecular diagnostics, tree defense mechanisms, and forest health challenges like brown spot needle blight on loblolly pine. She collaborates with institutions such as the USDA Forest Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, private industry, and international partners. Education: PhD in Crop Science - Plant Protection Curriculum, University of Padua, Italy (2012) MS in Plant Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Florence, Italy (2008) BS in Forest and Environmental Sciences, University of Florence, Italy (2005) Research Interests: Dr. Villari’s work spans molecular techniques for disease diagnosis, vibrational spectroscopy for seedling disease resistance, and symbiotic relationships between bark beetles and fungi. Her lab investigates tree defense mechanisms against pathogens and insects, with recent emphasis on fusiform rust and laurel wilt disease. Projects include developing rapid detection tools (e.g., LAMP assays) and understanding climate impacts on forest pathology. Key Contributions: Co-founded the Southern Pine Health Research Cooperative (2018) Received the 2022 Fred C. Davison Early Career Scholar Award from UGA Co-developed field-portable diagnostics for laurel wilt and fusiform rust Teaching: Teaches courses such as Forest Health and Protection and Tree Resistance Mechanisms , emphasizing hands-on learning and interdisciplinary approaches. Supervises graduate students in experimental design and field research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Villari Forest Pathology Lab, focusing on symbiosis, disease diagnostics, and tree defense. Active in collaborative projects like sugarberry decline studies and beetle-fungus interactions.
Ayman M Mostafa is a University of Arizona faculty member serving as Director of the Center for Urban Smart Agriculture (UACUSA) and a Regional Specialist in Entomology for Maricopa Cooperative Extension. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Manitoba. His work focuses on integrated pest management (IPM), urban agriculture, and sustainable crop production, particularly in alfalfa and forage systems. Education: Ph.D. Entomology, University of Manitoba, Canada (Focus: Plant Bugs on Buckwheat and Alfalfa) Research Interests: Alfalfa pest management, including weevils and aphids IPM strategy development for low desert crops Bee health and community pollinator management Urban agriculture needs and extension programs Fertilizer optimization for forage crops His research emphasizes economically viable pest control methods, pesticide resistance monitoring, and sustainable practices for small-scale and urban farmers. Awards: 2025 University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Faculty of the Year Award 2023 Distinguished Achievement in Extension Award (ESA Pacific Branch) 2022 Distinguished Service Award (NACAA) Grants & Advising: Leads programs addressing urban farming challenges, including the Small-Scale and Beginner Farmer Initiative. Collaborates on projects funded by USDA-NRCS and Arizona Department of Agriculture. Labs/Teams: Directs UACUSA, a hub for urban agriculture research and outreach, and coordinates with the Arizona Pest Management Center.
Mario Grijalva is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University , where he also serves as Director of the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI). He is an affiliated faculty member of the Center for International Studies and leads collaborative research with the Center for Research on Health in Latin America (CISeAL) in Quito, Ecuador. Education: B.S. in Biology, Catholic University, Quito, Ecuador (1991) Ph.D. in Immuno-parasitology and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University (1997) Postdoctoral Training in Immunology and Molecular Parasitology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1997–1999) His research focuses on Chagas disease , encompassing immunopathology, vector biology, epidemiology, and blood supply safety. He studies Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in Ecuador and the U.S., with emphasis on sylvatic and domestic cycles, triatomine vectors, and mammalian reservoirs. His work integrates molecular biology, serology, and ecological modeling. A key initiative is the Healthy Living Initiative , which promotes long-term disease control through socioeconomic development in rural Ecuador. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in vector genetics , epidemiological modeling , and community-based health interventions . Themes include species differentiation in triatomines, genetic diversity of T. cruzi , and the role of social behavior in disease prevention. His interdisciplinary approach spans microbiology, public health, and development studies. Scientific Contributions: Director, Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (2006–present) Visiting Professor, Catholic University, Ecuador (2000–present) Director, Center for Research on Health in Latin America (2000–present) External Evaluator for Ecuador’s Blood Bank Screening Program (2002–2015) He mentors a wide range of students, from undergraduate to PhD and medical levels, both at Ohio University and in Ecuador. His advising spans biological sciences, epidemiology, Latin American studies, and public health. He teaches courses such as Tropical Disease Biology , Cross-Cultural Issues in Tropical Diseases , and Healthy Living: Health, Communication and Development . His laboratory operates in Athens, Ohio, and Quito, Ecuador, supporting field and lab research on Chagas disease. He has established research infrastructure in Ecuador and promotes training and capacity building for local scientists.
Brendan Furneaux serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher within the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at the University of Jyväskylä's Faculty of Mathematics and Science, where he develops advanced bioinformatic methodologies for global DNA metabarcoding datasets with emphasis on environmental DNA applications. His research centers on taxonomic identification, species delimitation, and trait inference for "dark taxa"—organisms known exclusively through environmental DNA sequences without physical specimens. Leveraging his foundational expertise in fungal ecology, he extends these approaches to understudied groups including insects and protists, utilizing large-scale collaborative datasets to decode ecological patterns across diverse ecosystems. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in fungal community assembly dynamics, dispersal mechanisms, and environmental drivers of plant-fungal associations, frequently employing airborne DNA metabarcoding at continental scales. Key methodological innovations include standardized global sampling protocols and predictive modeling of spatial-temporal fungal distributions, reflecting strong international collaboration across 10 high-impact studies. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in source material. Advising and Grants: No student advisement or grant funding details provided in available text. Laboratory and Team: Integral member of the Predictive Community Ecology Group led by Professors Nerea Abrego and Otso Ovaskainen, focusing on statistical modeling of ecological communities through DNA-based monitoring frameworks.
Christopher Yahnke is a Professor in the Division of Wildlife at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's College of Natural Resources. He has also served as Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor of Biology at the same institution since 2001, following a prior Assistant Professor role at Clarke University. Ph.D. and M.S. in Biology from Northern Illinois University B.S. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Dr. Yahnke’s research spans three pillars: community ecology of bats and small mammals in agricultural and tropical ecosystems, museum science utilizing ancient DNA for species systematics, and science education innovations through the Animal Diversity Web project. His work on hantavirus transmission in rodent populations has significant public health implications. Recent publications highlight ecological fieldwork, genetic analysis, and pedagogical methods. Key themes include invasive species dynamics in the Great Lakes, postmortem morphological studies, and biodiversity conservation in Paraguay. His 1996 study on Darwin’s fox remains foundational for canid taxonomy. As Curator of Birds and Mammals at the UW-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History, Yahnke bridges research and public engagement. He actively participates in campus governance and environmental organizations like the Citizen Science Association.
