جست‌وجوی استاد و پژوهشگر

Tom Wenseleersمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Theoretical Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioural Ecology
• +۷ مورد دیگر

Tom Wenseleers is a Professor at KU Leuven's Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science, where he leads the Laboratory of Socioecology and Social Evolution. His research spans theoretical and experimental approaches to evolutionary biology, with particular focus on social insect systems. Research spans social insects (ants, bees, wasps), microbes, viruses, and human systems Primary model organisms: social insects studying major evolutionary transitions Current projects examine caste determination, chemical communication, and evolutionary conflicts His research integrates theoretical modeling with experimental, behavioral, and comparative studies. Recent work combines genomic techniques and high-throughput GC/MS analysis to decipher chemical communication systems. Current trends show increasing interdisciplinary work spanning virology (SARS-CoV-2 variants), microbial ecology (antibiotic resistance), and robotics (pollinator behavior monitoring). The research demonstrates consistent application of evolutionary theory to diverse biological systems while maintaining social insects as the core model. Wenseleers actively mentors PhD students and postdocs, with recent graduates including Kamiel Debeuckelaere and Viviana Di Pietro. His lab receives substantial funding through multiple concurrent research projects, including Promotor roles on grants examining caste development in bee societies and microbial metabolite screening. The laboratory maintains strong international collaborations across Europe and South America. The lab operates within the Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation unit at KU Leuven, with physical location at Naamsestraat 59, box 2466, 3000 Leuven. The research group maintains active outreach programs including science workshops for schools and public engagement events focused on insect conservation.

James Cookمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Ecology
• Evolution
• Symbiosis
• +۸ مورد دیگر

Professor James Cook is a Theme Leader for Plants, Animals and Interactions at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) at Western Sydney University. He holds the academic rank of Professor and leads research focused on ecology, evolution, and symbiosis, with particular emphasis on pollination systems and insect ecology. Professor Cook received his BA in Zoology from Oxford University and his PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Imperial College London. His previous academic appointments include positions at La Trobe University, Imperial College London, and the University of Reading. Professor Cook's research interests lie at the intersection of ecology, evolution, and symbiosis , with particular emphasis on pollination systems and insect-microbe interactions . His work spans multiple scales from molecular to ecosystem levels, investigating how species interactions shape biological communities. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in fig-pollinator mutualisms and stingless bee biology . His research integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and molecular approaches to address fundamental questions in evolutionary ecology while also addressing applied challenges in agricultural pollination and conservation biology . Analysis of Professor Cook's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pollination ecology and insect-microbe symbioses . His work spans both fundamental research on evolutionary processes and applied studies addressing agricultural challenges. A significant portion of his recent work examines stingless bees as potential managed pollinators for Australian horticulture, alongside investigations into alternative pollinators beyond honey bees. His research increasingly incorporates molecular methods to understand microbial communities and their impacts on host biology. There's also a growing emphasis on climate change impacts on pollination systems and the development of resilient pollination strategies for future agricultural systems. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC, UK) College Member (2007-2010) Royal Entomological Society Symbiosis Special Interest Group Convenor (2005-2012) Editorial Board Member, Journal of Evolutionary Biology (2005-2008) NERC Advanced Research Fellow (1998-2003) SERC Research Fellow (1993-1995) Royal 1851 Commission Research Fellow (1991-1993) Australian Entomological Society Conservation Committee Member (2017-present) Invited collaboration with Professor Wan-Jin Liao's group at Beijing Normal University Professor Cook currently leads multiple significant research projects focused on pollination services for Australian horticulture. His grant portfolio includes projects on stingless bee husbandry , alternative pollinators including flies, and pollinator health . He collaborates extensively with researchers across Australia and internationally, with projects spanning from basic research on fig-wasp mutualisms to applied studies on crop pollination. Professor Cook has authored over 70 research articles and six book chapters, demonstrating sustained research productivity throughout his career. Professor Cook's research involves extensive field, laboratory, and glasshouse work, with a strong emphasis on molecular methods. His work connects with collaborators across Australia, India, China, France, the UK, and the USA, creating a robust international research network focused on pollination ecology and insect symbioses. His leadership in the Plants, Animals and Interactions research theme at HIE provides a framework for integrating fundamental ecological research with practical applications for sustainable agriculture and conservation.

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

HACER MURATOĞLU is a Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics , Karadeniz Technical University . Her research focuses on Microbiology , Virology , and Molecular Biology , particularly the study of entomopoxviruses and iridoviruses. She has contributed significantly to understanding viral protein functions, including protein kinases, glycosyltransferases, and nucleases, with applications in biological control and host-pathogen interactions . Her research spans several subfields: Viral Protein Kinases and Their Substrate Specificity Glycosyltransferase Enzymatic Activities Baculovirus Vector Engineering Bacterial Pathogens in Insect Pests Transcriptome-Based Pathogen Discovery Viral Pathogenesis Mechanisms She has received funding from TUBITAK and Higher Education Institutions for projects such as: Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2 Functional Analysis of AMEV Protein Kinases Iridovirus Gene Expression Studies Her work has been peer-reviewed for journals like Turkish Journal of Biology and Turkish Journal of Botany .

Heather J. McAuslaneمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Entomology
• Chemical Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Heather J. McAuslane is Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida , where she also serves as Associate Dean in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences . Her research focuses on plant-insect interactions and chemical ecology , particularly for pests affecting Florida’s horticultural and agricultural systems. Academic Rank: Professor University: University of Florida School: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Department: Entomology and Nematology Department McAuslane’s work addresses insect pest management for species such as Calpodes ethlius (larger canna leafroller), Parasitoids and Predators of oleander caterpillars, and the Bemisia tabaci whitefly vector. She emphasizes biological control , cultural management , and chemical ecology in her publications. Her research often integrates host plant resistance , insect behavior , and sustainable pest control strategies. Her recent articles (2017–2025) span topics including leaf-rolling Lepidoptera , whitefly-transmitted plant viruses , and insect-plant interactions . These works appear in the Featured Creatures series and journals like Florida Entomologist and Environmental Entomology , with keywords such as Entomology , Agricultural Sciences , and Ecology , and sub-fields like Insect Pest Management , Lepidopteran Biology , and Vector-Borne Plant Pathogens . She co-authored the Better Mentorship, Better Student Experience series (2024), highlighting her commitment to academic mentorship . Her publications frequently address practical control methods for pests impacting crops like canna, oleander, and tomato, including parasitism , pathogen-induced mortality , and chemical control .

Matthias Hornمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Microbial Symbioses
• Bacterial Symbionts of Protozoa and Insects
• Evolution of Intracellular Bacteria
• +۲ مورد دیگر

Matthias Horn is a University Professor at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science of the University of Vienna, specializing in microbial symbioses and intracellular bacteria. He leads the Division of Microbial Ecology and investigates symbionts of amoebae, arthropods, and marine organisms, with a focus on genome evolution and host-pathogen interactions. Research Interests: Microbial symbioses (protozoa, insects) Evolution of intracellular bacteria Microbial genome evolution Host-eukaryote interactions Recent Publications explore chlamydiae adaptation, giant virus-host codon mismatches, and symbionts in corals and dinoflagellates. His work is supported by the Austrian Science Fund Cluster of Excellence Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health and previously by the ERC and FWF. Awards: FWF START Award (2005) ERC Starting Grant (2011) Teaching includes courses on molecular microbial ecology, symbiosis, and advanced techniques like FISH. His team comprises postdocs, PhD candidates, and technicians studying microbial interactions.

Kelli L. Barrمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Kelli L. Barr, PhD serves as an Associate Professor of Microbiology at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), bringing over 15 years of specialized expertise in virology and infectious disease research to her academic role. Her position bridges laboratory investigation with real-world public health applications, focusing on critical gaps in diagnostic practices for emerging pathogens. Dr. Barr's educational journey includes a B.S. in English Literature and Classical Studies from Iowa State University, followed by a Ph.D. in Insect, Plant, and Microbial Sciences from University of Missouri-Columbia (2008). She completed dual postdoctoral training in Molecular Virology at Florida Gulf Coast University and Global Health Virology at University of Florida, establishing her interdisciplinary approach to infectious disease research. Her research program centers on vector-borne disease epidemiology within changing climate and social contexts, with particular emphasis on diagnostic decision-making for arboviral encephalitis. Dr. Barr combines epidemiological analysis with practical public health applications, maintaining expertise in both vector-borne and zoonotic viruses. Her collaborative work spans international settings, including partnerships that established WHO-designated regional diagnostic centers for emerging pathogens, demonstrating significant global health impact. Analysis of Dr. Barr's recent publications reveals consistent focus on Chikungunya virus pathogenesis across multiple organ systems, West Nile Virus seroprevalence patterns, and innovative approaches to blood donor screening for arboviruses. Her work demonstrates methodological diversity spanning hospital-based epidemiological studies, international field research, and advanced in vitro modeling using cerebral organoids, with increasing attention to neurological complications of viral infections. Dr. Barr actively pursues research opportunities examining occupational exposures of first responders to emerging infections, reflecting her commitment to translating laboratory findings into practical health protection measures for vulnerable populations. Her work bridges academic research with immediate public health applications, particularly in diagnostic capacity building and surveillance system improvement.

Elisavet K. Chatzivassiliouمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Plant Virus Diagnostics
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Elisavet K. Chatzivassiliou is a Professor of Plant Pathology-Virology at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), affiliated with the Faculty of Crop Science. She holds a PhD in Plant Pathology-Virology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). Her expertise spans plant virus diagnostics, epidemiology, pest risk analysis, and control methods for plant pathogens and their vectors. She serves on the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Plant Health Panel, contributing to working groups on high-risk plants, pathogen categorization, and virus-related assessments. At AUA, she teaches advanced courses like Advanced Plant Virology and oversees the Plant Pathology Laboratory. Education: BSc in Plant Production (AUTH) MSc in Plant Protection (AUTH) PhD in Plant Pathology-Virology (AUTH) Research Interests: Her work focuses on identifying plant viruses (especially in vegetables and ornamentals), understanding plant-virus-vector interactions, and developing strategies to mitigate viral diseases. She evaluates control methods for viruses and their insect vectors, emphasizing practical applications for agricultural sustainability. Awards & Grants: No specific awards listed, but her EFSA involvement indicates recognition in plant health policy. Active in securing grants for risk analyses and diagnostic methodologies. Labs/Teams: Lead researcher in the Phytopathology Team at AUA, collaborating on EU-funded projects. Engaged with international networks for plant health standards.

Anna Whitfieldمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Plant-Virus-Vector Interactions
• Molecular Virology
• Functional Genomics
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Anna Whitfield is a Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University , where she joined in 2017 as part of the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program in Emerging Plant Diseases and Global Food Security. Her research focuses on plant-virus-vector interactions , aiming to develop biologically-based strategies for sustainable disease control. Education : M.S. from the University of California-Davis; Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Research Priorities : Molecular mechanisms of virus transmission, functional genomics of insect vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for vector competence reduction, RNA interference for pest control, and plant rhabdovirus infectious clone development. Her work integrates CRISPR, RNAi, and LAMP/Cas12a diagnostic tools to combat resistance-breaking variants of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and Maize Mosaic Virus (MMV). She leads multiple USDA-funded grants targeting thrips and orthotospovirus control through innovative molecular approaches. Scientific Awards : Alumni Outstanding Research Award (2023) NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program (2010) American Society for Virology Joel M. Dalrymple Memorial Award (2003) Whitfield mentors a diverse group of Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduate researchers , with former lab members now in academia and the agricultural biotech industry. She also contributes to plant disease management programs via the Plant-Aid sensor platform for real-time pathogen detection.

Linda Chelicoمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• HIV Restriction Factors
• DNA Deaminases
• Mutagenesis
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dr. Linda Chelico is a Professor and Department Head of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. Her research focuses on APOBEC cytosine deaminases, studying their roles in HIV restriction and cancer mutagenesis. She leads a lab investigating how these enzymes interact with retroviruses like HIV-1, their mechanisms of DNA deamination, and their unintended oncogenic consequences. Her work bridges virology, biochemistry, and cancer biology, with recent grants exceeding $1.6M from CIHR and NSERC. Education: PhD in Applied Microbiology (USask), postdoctoral training at University of Southern California (USC). Key areas include HIV restriction factors, DNA deaminases, enzyme mechanisms, and mutagenesis. She explores APOBEC interactions with viral proteins (e.g., HIV-1 Vif) and cellular DNA repair pathways, while also examining their role in cancer via mutagenic activity in genomic regions. Research highlights include identifying APOBEC3's dual role as a virus suppressor and cancer mutagen, studying enzyme competition with DNA-binding proteins like RPA, and developing assays to measure deamination activity. Her team's work on HIV-1 transmitted/founder viruses and APOBEC3's structural basis (via SAXS) underscores her interdisciplinary approach. Grants: Over $1.6M from CIHR (2019–2024) for projects on APOBEC3's HIV restriction and cancer links. Collaborations include structural biology (e.g., with Dr. Chen XS on APOBEC3G structure) and proteomic mapping (Krogan lab). Labs focus on biochemical assays, mouse xenograft models, and cross-disciplinary techniques. Publications (2024–2021) emphasize APOBEC3F/G interactions, enzyme purification, and their roles in SIV transmission and bladder cancer mutagenesis. Her work is published in Journal of Virology , Molecular and Cellular Proteomics , and Nature Communications .

Jamie Bojkoمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Parasitology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dr. Jamie Bojko is an Associate Professor of Research in the SHLS Life Sciences School at Teesside University, affiliated with the Centre for Biodiscovery. He holds a PhD from the University of Leeds (2017) and a Bachelor's in Genetics (2013). Postdoctoral work included roles at the University of Florida (2017–2019) and CEFAS (2011–2012). His research focuses on parasitology, aquatic microbiology, and biological invasions, with a particular emphasis on crustacean pathogens and invasive species impacts. Key projects include studying microsporidian infections in crayfish, viral ecology in marine invertebrates, and pathogen co-transport risks with non-native species. He leads initiatives such as the tick virome project (2025–2028) and studies invasive species in Argentina (ongoing since 2020). Bojko's work integrates field studies, genomics, and experimental pathology. He collaborates internationally on topics like crustacean viruses, invasive species management, and wildlife disease ecology. His research has been featured in media discussions on crustacean die-offs and invasive species threats. Education: PhD (University of Leeds, 2017), BSc (Hons) Genetics (University of Leeds, 2013) Grants/Projects: 9 active or completed projects, including DEFRA-funded seal mortality studies and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-funded crayfish pathogen research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Centre for Biodiscovery's aquatic disease research group and collaborates with institutions like the University of Florida and CEFAS.

Baozhong Mengمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Virology
• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dr. Baozhong Meng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, affiliated with the College of Biological Science. His research focuses on virology, particularly grapevine viruses and their impact on agriculture. He leads a laboratory investigating viral genetics, pathogenesis, and diagnostic methodologies, funded by federal and provincial grants as well as industry partnerships. Dr. Meng holds editorial roles in journals like Frontiers in Plant Science and has authored a comprehensive book on grapevine viruses. Education: B.Sc. from Hebei Agricultural University, Ph.D. in Plant Virology from Cornell University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell’s Plant Pathology Department. Research interests include viral evolution, molecular biology of plant viruses, and development of diagnostic tools. His lab employs interdisciplinary approaches, including bioinformatics and biochemistry, to address agricultural challenges caused by grapevine viruses such as Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV) and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3). Recent work emphasizes virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) systems and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for pathogen discovery. Dr. Meng has advised numerous graduate students and collaborates internationally. His lab includes postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, and technical staff. Key grants and partnerships support studies on viral diversity, mitigation strategies, and food safety technologies for hepatitis A virus detection in food matrices. Lab members contribute to advancing diagnostics and understanding viral-host interactions, with applications in sustainable agriculture and public health.

Daniel Leungمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Mucosal Immunology
• MAIT Cells
• Cholera
• +۷ مورد دیگر

Daniel Leung is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah . He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia and an M.D. from Wake Forest University School of Medicine . His research focuses on Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells in infections like cholera , sepsis , and diarrheal diseases , with emphasis on their immune regulatory roles and vaccine implications. Education: B.Sc., University of British Columbia M.Sc., University of British Columbia M.D., Wake Forest University School of Medicine Leung's work examines how MAIT cells contribute to B cell help , antibody production , and mucosal immunity . His team investigates these cells in human tonsil germinal centers and mouse models , particularly in cholera vaccine development using MAIT-activating ligands . Recent publications highlight his efforts in serosurveillance for cholera and SARS-CoV-2 , integrating statistical and machine learning approaches to estimate disease incidence from cross-sectional data. He also develops electronic clinical decision support tools (eCDST) for diarrhea management in low- and high-resource settings , aiming to reduce antibiotic misuse and improve patient outcomes. Key collaborations include the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) , GHESKIO (Haiti) , and institutions like Johns Hopkins and University of Florida . His research is funded by NIH (R01AI130378, R01AI135114, R01AI135115) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1198876).

Justin McMechanمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Biological Control
• Field Crops
• Entomology
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Dr. Justin McMechan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He holds a joint appointment with 50% Extension and 50% research responsibilities. Education: Doctor of Plant Health (2016) and Ph.D. in Entomology (2016) from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Research Areas: Soybean Gall Midge ecology, Insect Pest Management, Cover Crop Systems, Wheat Curl Mite-Virus Complex, Plant-Insect Interactions His work focuses on biological control strategies for field crops, with recent studies on Resseliella maxima in soybean and hail damage impacts on wheat virus transmission. He pioneered innovative extension methods combining automated communication tools with traditional field demonstrations. Notable scientific awards include: 2023 Outstanding Paper Award in Agronomy Journal 2022 Harold & Esther Edgerton Junior Faculty Award 2020 FMC Researcher of the Year Dr. McMechan actively supervises graduate students and has secured over $4.9 million in research funding from federal agencies and commodity boards, with particular emphasis on sustainable pest management solutions.

Lise Pingaultمشاهده پروفایل

عضو هیئت علمی

• Arthropod Genomics
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• Bioinformatics
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Dr. Lise Pingault is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of arthropod vectors and the development of innovative pest management strategies. PhD, Physiology and Molecular Genetics, University Blaise Pascal, France (2014) M.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology, University Pierre & Marie Curie Paris 6 (2010) B.S., Biology, University Francois Rabelais (2008) Dr. Pingault’s work integrates Arthropod Genomics , Plant-Insect Interactions , and Bioinformatics to study pathogen transmission dynamics and vector adaptation. She employs multi-omics and computational biology to develop novel pest control solutions. Her recent publications highlight trends in plant defense transcriptomics , molecular interactions between vectors and hosts, and bioinformatic tools for analyzing large datasets. Notable studies include aphid resistance in sorghum and viral tolerance in wheat. Dr. Pingault teaches graduate-level courses in sequencing data analysis and is an active member of the Entomological Society of America and American Society of Plant Biologists .

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Arvind Varsani is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), with affiliations to the Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics, the Center for Evolution and Medicine, and the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long Term Ecological Research program. He holds the title of Senior Global Futures Scientist within the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars initiative. He earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Virology from the University of Cape Town (South Africa) and a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Loughborough University (England). His research focuses on molecular virology, viral evolution, and ecosystem dynamics, utilizing advanced techniques like transmission electron microscopy, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics to study viral diversity across plants, animals, and extreme environments such as Antarctica. Varsani’s work emphasizes understanding viral dynamics in ecosystems, particularly in the Ross Sea Antarctic ecosystem, and explores how climate change impacts viral evolutionary trajectories. His lab investigates viral interactions within microbiomes, phytobiomes, and avian systems, with notable collaborations on circoviruses in penguins and viral surveillance in wildlife. He has pioneered studies on viral metagenomics, geminivirus recombination, and anellovirus evolution, contributing to ICTV taxonomy updates. Key projects include tracking viral emergence via wastewater surveillance, studying Antarctic viral communities, and analyzing viral diversity in birds, marine mammals, and insects. His research outputs span over 200 publications, highlighting discoveries in bacteriophage ecology, Antarctic virus dynamics, and One Health approaches to viral threats.