Simone Fior is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science , ETH Zürich , focusing on ecological genetics and plant adaptation. Their research integrates genomic, quantitative genetics, and ecological field experiments, particularly on Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) along altitudinal and climatic gradients. Recent work explores climate-induced range shifts, local adaptation, and genomic responses to environmental changes. Professional experience includes roles at ETH Zürich since 2013 (Senior Assistant, Postdoc) and prior positions at the Edmund Mach Foundation (2009-2012) and University of Insubria (2007-2008). Education spans a PhD in Plant Biology (University of Milan, 2007) and an MSc in Natural Sciences (University of Milan, 2003). Simone co-organizes the Bioinformatics for Adaptation Genomics Winter School . Key research areas include adaptive divergence , polygenic adaptation , climate change biology , and phylogenomics . Articles emphasize genomic selection signatures, functional-structural modeling, and ecological-genetic interactions. Notable collaborations involve Jake Alexander, Alex Widmer, and interdisciplinary teams at ETH Zurich.
Professor Nicola Randall is a Professor of Evidence Synthesis and Agroecology at Harper Adams University, where she leads the Centre for Evidence-Based Agriculture (CEBA) and the Agroecology for Sustainable Agri-food (AFS) research group. She holds a BSc (Hons), PhD, and a CertTHE in higher education. Her research focuses on agricultural ecology, sustainable food systems, and evidence-based decision-making in environmental and agricultural policies. She chairs the EU-NESA Network (CA23107 2024-2028) and serves on advisory boards for organizations such as the Food Standards Agency and Ceres2030. Her work emphasizes systematic reviews, evidence synthesis methodologies, and bridging gaps between research and policy. She has secured over £1 million in research funding, collaborating with bodies like BBSRC, DEFRA, and EU H2020. Education: BSc (Hons), PhD, CertTHE Teaching Roles: Course leader for Agroecology MSc, module leader for Fundamentals of Agroecology and International Agroecology Professional Memberships: British Ecological Society (Agroecology Committee), Society for Conservation Biology Her research spans topics like regenerative agriculture, pollinator ecology, and humane slaughter practices. She advises on international projects, including FAO initiatives and smallholder farming interventions in Africa. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications for sustainable agriculture and environmental governance.
Dr. Jared G. Carlberg is a Professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics at the University of Manitoba , with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Economics. He focuses on applied agricultural economics research and teaching in food systems analysis. PhD in Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University MSc in Agricultural Economics, University of Saskatchewan BA (Honors) in Economics, University of Saskatchewan B Commerce in Finance, University of Saskatchewan His research spans agricultural marketing (cattle/beef sectors, grain/pulses/oilseeds), nutrition economics (healthcare costs of food-related chronic diseases), and sustainable agrifood systems (conservation easements, pea coproducts, durum wheat supply response). Key projects examine beef quality grade pricing, grain supply dynamics, and health-economic policy linkages. Dr. Carlberg’s 15 most recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary expertise bridging agricultural markets, food policy, and health economics. Recurring themes include value chain optimization, sustainable practices, policy frameworks, and quantitative analysis of food-health linkages. Professor of the Year Award, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Student Organization Outstanding Teacher in Agricultural and Food Sciences (twice awarded) He has advised 13 graduate students since 2001, covering topics from flax/corn/oat supply responses to growth-enhancing technologies in cattle feeding. His teaching portfolio includes econometrics (ABIZ 3080) and agricultural marketing research (ABIZ 7240).
Dr. Naidu Rayapati is a Professor of Virology at Washington State University (WSU), where he serves as Director of the Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. He is affiliated with the Department of Plant Pathology within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Dr. Rayapati leads the Grape Virology program at WSU-IAREC in Prosser, focusing on management strategies for virus diseases impacting fruit quality and vine health in Washington's wine grape industry. Dr. Rayapati's research focuses on virus diseases of horticultural, vegetable and food crops, with particular emphasis on virus characterization, diagnostics, plant-virus-vector interactions, and development of integrated crop improvement strategies. His current work centers on virus diseases of grapevines and vegetables, addressing critical challenges for Washington State's agricultural industry. He has established an integrated program of research, extension, and education through the Grape Virology program at WSU-IAREC. Analysis of Dr. Rayapati's recent publications reveals a strong focus on grapevine viruses, particularly Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses and Grapevine red blotch virus. His research spans molecular characterization of plant viruses, epidemiology of viral diseases, development of diagnostic tools, and management strategies for virus diseases in agricultural settings. There is also significant work on emerging viruses in legumes and other vegetable crops, reflecting his broader interest in plant virus diseases across multiple cropping systems. Scientific Awards: CAHNRS Land Grant Mission Award (2020) WSU's Top Industry Engaged Researchers (2017) International IPM Excellence Team Award, The 6th International IPM Symposium (2009) International Service Award, American Phytopathological Society (2007) Dr. Rayapati actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with current lab members including Sridhar Jarugula, Sudarsana Poojari, Tefera Mekuria, Linga Reddy Gutha, and Olufemi Alabi. His research program has received funding from various sources, supporting interdisciplinary collaborations that draw expertise from multiple institutions. Through his extension work, Dr. Rayapati translates scientific knowledge into practical applications for the grape and wine industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies. Dr. Rayapati leads the Grape Virology Program at WSU-IAREC, which employs a 3-D approach: Discovery of knowledge, Development of tools and techniques, and Deployment of knowledge-based strategies. The program works closely with the Washington State Grape and Wine Industry to address virus disease management as a key research priority for achieving the industry's goal of tripling economic value. His team conducts fundamental and applied research on wine grape virus diseases through interdisciplinary collaborations, creating experiential education opportunities for Viticulture and Enology students.
Dr. Adrian Brennan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Durham, UK. He holds key roles as the Academic Lead of the Durham Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (since 2024), Academic Director of Durham Botanic Garden (since 2022), and Deputy International Exchange Coordinator (since 2023). His research focuses on genomic basis of adaptive trait variation, speciation, hybridization, and domestication in plants. He leads studies on Linum (flax), Haeterina damselflies, and invasive species like Centaurea solstitialis. Brennan teaches Evolution, Genomics, and Research Skills at undergraduate and graduate levels. He collaborates globally and serves as an associate editor for journals including Frontiers in Plant Science and Molecular Ecology . His educational background includes a DPhil (PhD) in Plant Sciences from the University of Oxford (2003) and a BA in Biological Sciences from the same university (1999). He has held postdoctoral roles at institutions like the University of Bristol and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh before joining Durham in 2013. Brennan's research integrates genomic approaches with field and controlled experiments to study genetic architecture of traits like breeding systems, local adaptation, and domestication. His work emphasizes crop wild relatives and their genetic resources for agriculture. He actively supervises PhD students in topics like flax genomic resources and wildflower seed mixes.
Honorary Professor Mike Crisp is affiliated with the School of the Environment at The University of Queensland. His research focuses on plant systematics, biogeography, and evolutionary biology, with a particular emphasis on Australian flora such as Myrtaceae and Leguminosae. He has contributed to taxonomic revisions, phylogenetic studies, and investigations into historical biogeography and conservation genetics. His work often addresses questions of species delimitation, dispersal patterns, and the impacts of environmental factors like fire and climate change. Key research areas include the evolution of eucalypts and other Australian iconic plant groups, the role of biogeographic barriers in shaping diversity, and the application of genomic tools to resolve complex phylogenetic relationships. Collaborations span institutions globally, with frequent co-authorships on studies addressing taxonomic challenges and ecological adaptations. Recent publications highlight work on Myrtaceae phylogeny, Mirbelieae legume systematics, and the impacts of Pleistocene climate shifts on plant distributions. His contributions to plant biodiversity research have advanced understanding of Australia’s unique flora, particularly in the monsoon tropics and arid zones. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects sustained academic impact. His research integrates fieldwork, molecular genetics, and computational methods to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology and conservation.
R. Toby Pennington is a Professor of Plant Systematics and Biogeography at the University of Exeter's College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Department of Geography, a position he has held since September 2017. He also maintains a long-standing research position at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where he has been employed since January 1994. His work bridges academic research with practical botanical applications through this dual affiliation. Pennington's research focuses on the systematics, evolution, and biogeography of tropical plants, particularly legumes (Fabaceae family) in Neotropical regions. His work spans multiple dimensions of plant science: Evolutionary patterns and processes in Amazonian and Neotropical forest ecosystems Biogeographic history of dry forest species across South America Phylogenetic relationships within legume lineages, especially Inga and related genera Conservation implications of evolutionary diversity patterns in tropical forests Genomic approaches to understanding plant diversification in the tropics His recent research has increasingly incorporated genomic techniques to address fundamental questions about plant evolution and diversification. The analysis of Inga species genomes represents a cutting-edge approach to understanding the evolutionary history of one of the most diverse Neotropical plant genera. His work demonstrates how historical climate changes have shaped current biodiversity patterns, particularly in seasonally dry tropical forests. Pennington's research portfolio reveals a consistent focus on understanding the processes that generate and maintain tropical plant diversity. His publications demonstrate expertise in both traditional taxonomic approaches and modern genomic techniques, reflecting an evolving research program that has adapted to methodological advances in the field. Among his notable scientific contributions are insights into: The role of Quaternary climate fluctuations in shaping current species distributions The biogeographic barriers in the Andes that influence plant dispersal The relationship between evolutionary diversity and ecosystem function in tropical forests The taxonomic complexity within challenging plant groups like Ziziphus and Aldina Throughout his career, Pennington has maintained productive collaborations with researchers across multiple continents, reflecting the international nature of tropical botanical research. His work often involves large collaborative teams that combine field, laboratory, and analytical expertise to address complex questions about plant diversity.
Mirchele McMahon is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona, affiliated with the Department of Plant Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her research focuses on biodiversity, evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology. She is also associated with the UA Herbarium and the Desert Legume Program, contributing to plant biodiversity studies. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as PLS 307: Origins of Food Plants, PLS 477/577: Applied Plant Biodiversity, PLS 170C1: Plants and Our World, and PLS 472/572: Plant Systematics. Her work integrates phylogenetic analysis, genomic data, and computational methods to address questions in plant evolution and systematics. Research interests encompass genomic architecture of cacti, phylogenomic methodology, and the evolution of plant traits such as extrafloral nectaries. McMahon’s publications explore topics like gene tree discordance, plastid genome reduction, and bioinformatics tools for comparative biology. Her lab affiliations emphasize plant biodiversity and legume systematics. No specific awards or student advisement records are documented in the provided texts.
Oscar Vargas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt, specializing in botany with a focus on plant diversity and evolution. Originally from Colombia, he earned his BSc and MSc at the Universidad de los Andes before pursuing his PhD in Plant Biology at The University of Texas at Austin, which he completed in 2016. After postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Santa Cruz, he joined Humboldt (now Cal Poly Humboldt) in 2020. Dr. Vargas's research integrates traditional botanical methods with modern genomic approaches to investigate plant diversification patterns in biodiversity hotspots, particularly in the Amazon and the Californian Floristic Province. His work combines alpha taxonomy, morphometrics, next-generation sequencing, and comparative phylogenetic methods to understand evolutionary processes in plant groups such as Asteraceae and Lecythidaceae. Notably, his research has contributed to taxonomic revisions of genera like Diplostephium (now partially reclassified as Linochilus) and studies on speciation patterns in Neotropical plant radiations. His laboratory at Cal Poly Humboldt trains graduate students in plant systematics, conservation genetics, and evolutionary biology, with current projects focusing on rare and endemic species in the California Floristic Province. Dr. Vargas has published extensively in top botanical and evolutionary journals, with his most recent work examining phylogenomic patterns, speciation mechanisms, and the evolutionary history of tropical plant families. Dr. Vargas advises multiple graduate students including Ashley Dickinson (working on Lathyrus biflorus), Cameron Jones (mapping plant ranges in the California Floristic Province), Heather Davis (studying the Silene hookeri complex), Anise Dellith-Moser (researching Lupinus constancei), and Zach Kinman (investigating Wyethia longicaulis). His former student Eli Allen completed a Master's in 2024 studying speciation in the Abronia genus and is now a PhD student at UC Santa Cruz.
Dr. David Crowder is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University (WSU), where he leads the Crowder Laboratory. His research bridges basic and applied ecology, focusing on arthropod community dynamics in agricultural systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable pest management strategies. Education: Ph.D., Entomology, University of Arizona (2008) M.S., Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois (2004) B.S., Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois (2003) Research Interests center on understanding how landscape diversity , invasive species , and vector-borne pathogens shape insect communities. His work advances biological control , organic farming practices , and pollinator conservation , with applications for agroecosystem resilience . Google Scholar highlights his 2025 studies on: Biological control of vector-borne plant pathogens Ecological niche modeling for invasive pests Soil rhizobia-plant-insect interactions Bee community responses to farm management Current projects include recruiting PhD students in Entomology and Molecular Plant Sciences , with fieldwork and lab experiments across the Pacific Northwest. Collaborations span plant-insect-pathogen dynamics, pollination networks , and insecticide resistance management .
Dr. Gaetano Laghetti is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) in Bari. He has served as the curator of the CNR's Gene Bank in Bari since 2011 and as the Italian representative in the 'Solanaceae' working group since 2012. Since October 2013, he has been deputy director of IBBR and heads the CNR work order on 'Biodiversity for the sustainability of Mediterranean agricultural systems' since 2011. Dr. Laghetti's educational background includes: 1984: Degree in Agricultural Science (cum laude) from the University of Bari, Faculty of Agriculture 1986: Passed State Examination for qualification to practice as an agronomist 1987: Awarded international scholarship by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) His research focuses on the safeguarding of plant genetic resources , with particular emphasis on Mediterranean agricultural systems. Dr. Laghetti has conducted approximately 50 exploration and collecting missions across Italy and internationally, gathering over 5,000 plant accessions. His work encompasses germplasm characterization using agronomical, morphological and biochemical traits, statistical analysis of characterization data, and taxonomic studies to identify crop origins and wild ancestors. He has significant expertise in obtaining EU quality marks for local products and holds two plant patents. Dr. Laghetti's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on agrobiodiversity conservation , with particular attention to traditional Italian crop varieties, ethnobotanical knowledge, and the documentation of crop wild relatives. His research spans plant systematics, germplasm characterization, and the application of statistical methods to genetic resource data. He has made significant contributions to documenting ancient cereal varieties in Southern Italy and studying the biogeography of edible halophytes in the Apulia region. As an active member of the scientific community, Dr. Laghetti serves on the Editorial Board of the International Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution and is a peer reviewer for multiple international journals in botany and biodiversity. He has coordinated four books and authored approximately 200 scientific papers. Dr. Laghetti has supervised academic work including a Research Doctorate, a Degree Thesis, and six scholarship recipients. He has served as the scientific responsible for six internal CNR projects and seven external projects, while collaborating on 21 additional research initiatives. His field work includes establishing and managing an experimental field for scientific trials since 2003. At the institutional level, Dr. Laghetti contributes to biodiversity conservation through his leadership roles at the CNR Gene Bank in Bari and his representation of Italy in international working groups focused on plant genetic resources.
Kirsty Owen is a Senior Lecturer (Crop Nematology) at the University of Southern Queensland, affiliated with both the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science and the Centre for Crop Health. With expertise in root-lesion nematode management and plant-soil interactions, her work bridges applied research with agricultural education. Education: BScAg, University of Sydney (1994) MScAg, University of Sydney (1996) PhD, University of Sydney (1999) Research Focus: Biotic constraints to crop production, particularly nematode-pathogen-plant interactions and sustainable management strategies in northern Australian grain systems. Publications: 15+ years of research on nematode control through crop rotation, resistance breeding, and soil microbiome manipulation, with recent emphasis on digital detection methods and multi-pathogen dynamics. Teaching: Delivers courses on plant physiology, food security, and science project management while integrating field research insights into agricultural education.
Sina Adl is a Professor in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan, affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. His research spans soil biology, protist diversity, microbial ecology, and sustainable agriculture. He leads projects on global soil biodiversity, eukaryote systematics, and ecosystem remediation. Notable grants include $4M for pulse crop innovation in Ethiopia and $35.5M for crop development through the Global Institute for Food Security. Research interests include protist ecology, soil food webs, and nutrient cycling. He has pioneered studies on eukaryote classification and functional assignments, with contributions to the Phylocode and Phylonyms. His work spans field studies in Canada, Asia, and Central America. Key projects address no-tillage agriculture, organic farming impacts, and mine tailings remediation. Publications emphasize soil biodiversity, microbial interactions, and agricultural sustainability. Collaborations with international teams focus on soil protistology and food web dynamics. His lab integrates molecular biology, stable isotope analysis, and field ecology to address global challenges in soil health and biodiversity.
Quentin Charles Cronk is a Professor in the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His research at the Biodiversity Research Centre integrates comparative genomics , molecular developmental biology , and evolutionary biology to study plant form, focusing on the evolution of morphological diversity in Leguminosae (floral morphology) and Populus trichocarpa (adaptive tree evolution). He employs next-generation sequencing of genomes and transcriptomes, with funding from NSERC and Genome Canada. Research Themes : Adaptive evolution, hybridization, epigenetics, floral development, conservation genomics. Model Organisms : Leguminosae (pea family), black cottonwood trees, Macaronesian Lotus , European Salix . Scientific Collaborations : His lab collaborates with researchers like Dr. Diana Percy (plant-insect interactions) and has hosted postdocs and students studying topics such as pollination syndromes, plastid genomics, and population differentiation. Current PhD students include Nicholas Bard (with Dr. Jonathan Davies), Mikko Paajanen (St Helena flora conservation), and Saskia Wolsak (Bermuda ethnobotany). Key Publications highlight his work on adaptive introgression in poplars, floral symmetry genetics, conservation of island endemics, and ultrabarcoding using plastid genomes. Former lab members like Dr. Armando Geraldes and Dr. Daisie Huang have advanced population and evolutionary genomics.
Dr. Monika Marek-Kozaczuk is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Genetics and Microbiology within the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, Poland. Her research focuses on rhizobia-endophyte interactions, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and development of biofertilizers, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices through microbial solutions. Research Interests: Rhizobia biodiversity in leguminous plants Endophytic bacteria characterization Plant-microbe interactions for growth promotion Biofertilizer development Soil microbiology Molecular microbial ecology Scientific Contributions: Through extensive publications since 2000, she has advanced understanding of rhizobial symbiosis, bacterial enzyme characterization (laccase, mutanase), and microbial-assisted phytoremediation. Her work appears in journals like Antonie van Leeuwenhoek , Archives of Microbiology , and Systematic and Applied Microbiology .
