جستجوی استاد راهنمای دانشگاهی

Matthew Willsمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Evolutionary Palaeobiology
• Macroevolution
• Phylogenetics
• +۱۲ مورد دیگر

Matthew Wills is Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath. He is affiliated with the Milner Centre for Evolution and the Centre for Mathematical Biology, where he leads research into macroevolutionary processes using fossil and molecular data. His work integrates phylogenetics, morphological disparity, and stratigraphic congruence to understand large-scale evolutionary patterns. His research interests focus on the role of fossils in building phylogenies, the evolution of morphological complexity, and the testing of macroevolutionary trends such as early high disparity and increasing complexity. He investigates how developmental shifts underpin major evolutionary transitions and how fossilization biases affect our understanding of the Tree of Life. His lab conducts projects on arthropod supertrees, molluscan ontogeny, and the phylogeny of Eumalacostraca using molecules, morphology, and fossils. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on quantifying morphological complexity, vertebral evolution in mammals, species richness in birds, and the impact of boundaries on trait evolution. These works frequently appear in high-impact journals like Nature Communications and Nature Ecology & Evolution , indicating a trend toward integrative, data-rich evolutionary analyses combining paleontological, morphological, and phylogenomic approaches. Principal Investigator, Biodiversity and The Sixth Mass Extinction (Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851) Principal Investigator, Susceptibility to Mass Extinctions: Ammonites as a Case Study (NERC) Principal Investigator, PLUTO Project (BBSRC) Principal Investigator, Arthropod Supertree of Life (BBSRC) He has supervised 17 research students and contributes to public discourse through platforms like The Conversation . His work supports UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life on land and climate action through deep-time biodiversity research.

Alex Liuمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

• Paleobiology
• Early Animal Evolution
• Ediacaran Biota
• +۸ مورد دیگر

Alex Liu is a Researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences within the University of Cambridge. He specializes in palaeobiology , focusing on the origin and early evolution of animals, particularly the Ediacaran biota (~579–539 million years ago), and their co-evolution with Earth's environment. Research Focus: Refines understanding of animal body plan evolution, taphonomy, sedimentology, and macroevolutionary trends. Methodologies: Combines fieldwork, experimental studies, petrology, phylogenetics, and big-data analyses. Collaborations: Works with international museums and research teams on fossil sites in Namibia, Canada, and Brazil. Additional Interests: Explores meiofaunal evolution, paleogeography, paleoclimate, and conservation paleobiology. He supervises Cambridge NERC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) projects and welcomes student contributions to taxonomic, paleoecological, and analytical studies.

Carole S. Hickmanمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Evolutionary Morphology
• Paleobiology
• Comparative Anatomy
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Carole S. Hickman is a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research integrates theoretical, constructional, evolutionary, and developmental morphology to understand the diversity of structure and function in living and fossil organisms, with a focus on molluscs. She explores macroevolutionary trends through phylogenetic trajectories in design spaces and investigates taphonomic assembly in shell beds linked to global climate change during the Cenozoic Era. Primary Research Organisms: Molluscs Key Tools: Design spaces, ecospaces, ethospaces, developmental spaces Current Projects: Community architecture responses to climate change, microbial-metazoan interactions in extreme environments Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to evolutionary morphology, with recent work emphasizing gastropod larval development and biomineralization changes at metamorphosis. Students in her laboratory prioritize independent research questions while utilizing molecular tools and shared evolutionary methodologies.

Roger Bensonمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

• Palaeontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Phylogenetics
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Roger Benson is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford specializing in paleontology and evolutionary biology. His research integrates fossil discovery, 3D morphometric analysis, and quantitative macroevolutionary studies to investigate vertebrate evolution across deep time, with particular expertise in dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and early synapsids. His primary research domains include: Phylogenetic Paleobiology : Resolving evolutionary relationships in key vertebrate clades using cladistic methods and fossil data Macroevolutionary Dynamics : Analyzing large-scale patterns of morphological diversity and species richness over 100+ million years Earth-Life Interactions : Quantifying links between environmental change, rock record biases, and biodiversity patterns using multivariate statistics Extant-Fossil Integration : Applying anatomical datasets from living species to test ecological hypotheses about extinct organisms Recent publications reveal consistent methodological innovation through synchrotron imaging, computational morphometrics, and big-data approaches to evolutionary questions. His work demonstrates how quantitative analysis of anatomical variation can resolve long-standing debates in vertebrate phylogeny while revealing fundamental principles of adaptive radiation. Though no specific awards are documented in the source material, Benson's research impact is evidenced by publications in premier journals including Nature, Science, and PNAS, reflecting significant contributions to evolutionary science. Benson actively mentors graduate students and leads international collaborations, as demonstrated by multi-institutional projects on Permian-Triassic extinction dynamics and dinosaur sensory evolution. His research group bridges field paleontology with computational biology to address fundamental questions in vertebrate evolution. Based within Oxford's Earth Sciences framework, his work leverages advanced imaging facilities and computational resources for fossil analysis and evolutionary modeling, contributing to the university's leadership in paleobiological research.

Barbara Sharanowskiمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Phylogenetic Systematics
• Insect Evolution
• Genomics
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Barbara Sharanowski is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida (College of Sciences). Her research integrates phylogenetics, genomics, and ecology to study parasitic Hymenoptera evolution, particularly Braconidae wasps, with applications in biodiversity conservation and biocontrol. She directs an active lab developing mobile tools for integrated pest management. Education includes advanced degrees in Entomology/Evolutionary Biology. Research focuses on: Macroevolutionary patterns in parasitic wasps Genome evolution and viral symbionts in insects Biocontrol optimization using digital solutions Publications emphasize insect systematics, with recent work exploring genomic adaptations in parasitoids and field applications for sustainable agriculture. Awards include leadership of the International Society of Hymenopterists and NSF grants. Mentorship spans 6+ graduate students studying wasp taxonomy and tri-trophic interactions. Lab activities include international fieldwork and bioinformatics tool development.

David Fletcher Wrightمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Phylogenetics
• +۶ مورد دیگر

David Fletcher Wright is an Assistant Professor of Paleobiology in the School of Geosciences at the University of Oklahoma and Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. He also holds research associate appointments at the National Museum of Natural History and the American Museum of Natural History. Wright combines specimen-based fossil data with statistical phylogenetics to study biological diversity through Earth's history, focusing on echinoderms and their evolutionary radiations. Ph.D., The Ohio State University (2016) M.S., Ohio University (2012) B.S., University of Kansas (2010) His research intersects macroevolution , phylogenetic comparative methods , and the evolutionary history of marine invertebrates , particularly crinoids (sea lilies, feather stars). He applies Bayesian techniques to fossil phylogeny reconstruction and investigates how ecological vs. geological changes drive diversification and mass extinctions. His work often leverages the ~500-million-year echinoderm fossil record as a natural experiment for testing evolutionary theories. Wright's 15 most recent publications span topics like crinoid systematics, Jurassic sea star origins, and the impact of seawater chemistry on echinoderm evolution. Common themes include phylogenetic uncertainty, character evolution modeling, and integrating fossil data with molecular phylogenies. Notable journals include Nature Communications Biology , Papers in Palaeontology , and Biological Reviews . 2025 Junior Faculty Fellowship, University of Oklahoma 2024 NSF grant ($1.17M) for Late Ordovician extinction research 2018–2020 Gerstner Scholar & Lerner-Gray Fellow, American Museum of Natural History 2017–2018 Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellow, National Museum of Natural History 2016 Presidential Fellow, The Ohio State University Wright advises students in phylogenetic paleobiology, including Phifer, E.J. His lab collaborates globally on projects like the Anticosti Island biodiversity initiative and systematic revisions of Paleozoic echinoderms. He has authored or co-authored 35 peer-reviewed publications, describing 26 new species and 20 higher taxa, with over 878 citations and an h-index of 17.

Michael Landisمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

• Phylogenetic Biogeography
• Evolutionary Modeling
• Comparative Methods
• +۲ مورد دیگر

Michael Landis is Assistant Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, developing statistical models and computational tools to reconstruct evolutionary patterns. Research integrates phylogenetics, biogeography, and trait evolution to study historical biodiversity dynamics across deep timescales. Key research areas: Developing Bayesian methods for phylogenetic biogeography Modeling biome shifts and diversification patterns Creating open-source software for evolutionary analysis (RevBayes, phyddle) Reconstructing ancestral networks for pierid butterflies Recent work includes novel approaches for state-dependent diversification modeling, deep learning applications in phylogenetics, and global-scale analyses of butterfly evolution. The lab emphasizes collaborative software development and evolutionary hypothesis testing.

• Evolutionary biology
• Biogeography
• Phylogenetics
• +۹ مورد دیگر

Dr. Nicholas Matzke is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Auckland, New Zealand. His research revolutionizes biogeography by integrating extinction, fossils, organismal traits, and paleogeography into computationally efficient frameworks. Education: PhD in Integrative Biology (2013), University of California, Berkeley MA in Geography (2003), University of California, Santa Barbara Double BSc in Biology and Chemistry (1998), Valparaiso University Dr. Matzke's research spans three major domains: phylogenetic biogeography (developing methods to model trait-dependent dispersal), bacterial flagellum evolution (collaborating on experimental and bioinformatic analyses), and macroevolutionary modeling (integrating fossils and morphological data). His work on the FBD-MSC model and trait-dependent dispersal has transformed divergence time estimation and biogeographical inference. Recent publications show consistent focus on: Integrating molecular and fossil data in phylogenies Quantifying trait-dispersal interactions in rails and crocodiles Modeling historical biogeography using BioGeoBEARS Reconstructing evolutionary timelines with Bayesian methods His 2021 work on Caninae phylogeny demonstrates the power of combined MSC-FBD approaches, while 2019 studies on crocodilian range expansion revealed unexpected trait-dispersal correlations. Scientific Recognition: 2015-2018: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Fellow at Australian National University 2017: Associate Fellow of The Higher Education Academy As an accredited PhD supervisor with active Marsden Grant projects, Dr. Matzke trains students in phylogenetics, computational modeling, and paleogeographic reconstruction. His lab combines custom software development with empirical studies across diverse taxa, from Rana frogs to Crocodylus crocodiles.

Rachel Surprenantمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

• Paleontology
• Taphonomy
• Ediacaran Period
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Rachel Surprenant is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Yale University. Her research focuses on understanding the taphonomic processes and paleoenvironmental contexts of Ediacaran organisms, particularly tubular taxa, to elucidate their role in evolutionary transitions during the Ediacaran Period and across the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary. She also investigates the influence of organic matgrounds on the Precambrian stratigraphic record and Ediacaran paleobiology. Her research interests include leveraging qualitative taphonomic data, petrographic analysis, and paleoenvironmental studies to address macroevolutionary patterns. She examines how taphonomic overprint varies across different environments and lifeforms, aiming to mitigate biases in interpreting the Ediacaran fossil record. No scientific awards have been listed for Rachel Surprenant. There is no information provided regarding advising or grants. She is affiliated with the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Yale University.

Hannah Byrneمشاهده پروفایل

استاد مهمان

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Devonian Ecosystems
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Hannah Byrne is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Organismal Biology at Uppsala University, specializing in Evolution and Development. Her research focuses on vertebrate evolution, Devonian ecosystems, and the environmental drivers of major evolutionary transitions. She collaborates internationally on projects involving fossil morphology analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Key research interests include placoderm phylogeny, post-extinction ecosystem recovery, and the interplay between tides and vertebrate adaptation. Byrne's work bridges paleontology with geological and ecological data to understand macroevolutionary patterns. Her recent publications analyze coprolite ecosystems in post-Devonian settings and the role of tidal forces in fish-tetrapod evolution. While no specific awards are listed, her interdisciplinary approach has been widely cited in paleontological and geological literature. No advising or grant information is provided in the text.

Paul Upchurchمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Paleontology
• Dinosaur Systematics
• Phylogenetics
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Prof Paul Upchurch is a Professor of Palaeobiology at University College London's Department of Earth Sciences. His research focuses on vertebrate systematics and evolution, particularly dinosaurs (including sauropods, pterosaurs, and theropods), Mesozoic ecosystems, and biogeographic patterns. He teaches courses such as GEOL009 Vertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution and GEOL0021 Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Patterns. His work integrates phylogenetic methods with analyses of fossil record quality to address macroevolutionary questions, including dinosaur origins, Cretaceous-Paleogene biotic turnovers, and latitudinal biodiversity gradients. Key contributions involve revising sauropod diversity in the Hateg Island, exploring Osedax interactions with marine reptiles, and evaluating sampling biases in ceratopsid phylogenies. Prof Upchurch collaborates extensively on global sauropod studies, with recent projects in Romania, China, and Australia. He leads the Vertebrate Palaeontology research group at UCL and actively publishes in high-impact journals like Nature and Palaeontology . His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining morphological analysis with computational biogeography models to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. Ongoing projects address sauropod feeding adaptations and the impact of environmental changes on Mesozoic vertebrate diversity.

Daniel Fieldمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Macroevolutionary Transitions
• +۶ مورد دیگر

Daniel Field is a vertebrate paleontologist and evolutionary biologist affiliated with both the Department of Earth Sciences and Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge. He oversees the University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology’s extensive ornithology collections and the Cambridge Biotomography Centre , a high-resolution microCT scanning facility. His research focuses on macroevolutionary transitions in birds and other vertebrates, particularly their survival and diversification after the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction. Key Research Areas: Avian biodiversity origins Evolutionary morphology Phylogenetic and divergence time analysis Developmental mechanisms of flightlessness Mass extinction impacts on vertebrates His lab employs digital morphology, geometric morphometrics, phylogenetics, and embryology. He collaborates with institutions like Yale University and the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath. Field’s work bridges fossil data with molecular and anatomical studies to resolve evolutionary mysteries.

Jeff Thompsonمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس

• Evolution of animal body plans
• Macroevolution
• Molecular Palaeobiology
• +۲ مورد دیگر

Dr. Jeff Thompson is a Lecturer in Evolutionary Developmental Biology at the University of Southampton. He holds a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship and a Newton International Fellowship. His research integrates molecular biology, developmental biology, and paleontology to study animal evolution, focusing on echinoderms as a model system. Education: PhD in Geology from the University of Southern California (201?), postdoctoral positions at Baylor University and University College London, and a short tenure at The Natural History Museum in London. Research interests include: evolution of body plans, macroevolutionary processes, molecular palaeobiology, biomineralisation, and taphonomic biases in the fossil record. Current projects involve 3D morphometrics of sea urchins, gene expression studies in skeletogenesis, and climate change impacts on marine organisms. Scientific awards include the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship and Newton International Fellowship. Supervises 7 PhD students across Biological Sciences and INSPIRE programs. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Institute for Life Sciences, Ecology & Evolution, and Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute.

Jonathan Payneمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Paleobiology
• Geobiology
• Climate Change Impact on Evolution
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Jonathan Payne is the Dorrell William Kirby Professor at Stanford University, holding appointments as Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences and Professor (by courtesy) of Biology . He serves as Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. His research focuses on the interplay between environmental change and biological evolution in the fossil record, particularly mass extinctions and marine ecosystem dynamics. Ph.D., Harvard University (2005) A.M., Harvard University (2002) B.A., Williams College (1997) Payne's work examines mass extinction causation through geochemical-paleontological records in China, Italy, Turkey, and Japan, and employs global fossil occurrence datasets to study extinction selectivity and body size evolution. His 2022 PNAS article on temperature-size scaling in aquatic organisms and 2020 Science study on marine clade dominance via extinction resistance highlight his interdisciplinary approach combining climate modeling , energetic theory , and macroevolutionary analysis . Scientific accolades include: Fellow, Geological Society of America (2018) Allan V. Cox Medal (2015) Charles Schuchert Award (2015) NSF CAREER Award (2012) National Defense Science and Engineering Fellowship (1999-2002) He advises doctoral students across Earth Sciences and Biology programs, and has mentored over 100 high school and undergraduate researchers . Payne teaches historical geology, invertebrate paleobiology, and graduate-level courses in geobiology and carbonate sedimentology, including his popular course The Sixth Extinction (and the Other Five) .

• Evolutionary Genomics
• Molecular Evolution
• Protist Genomics
• +۲ مورد دیگر

Joshua S. Rest is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University. His research focuses on evolutionary genomics, molecular evolution, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in diverse organisms, including plants, protists, and viruses. Research Interests Evolutionary Genomics Protist Genomics Horizontal Gene Transfer Phylogenetics Stress Response Mechanisms Key Articles 2025: Proteome remodeling in Aurantiochytrium limacinum 2023: Horizontal gene transfer in heterotrophic protists 2021: Drought adaptation and disease susceptibility in Brassica rapa 2019: Kinase promiscuity in inhibitor binding 2016: Rapid genome evolution in Brassica rapa under drought Awards 2021 Zuckerkandl Prize Collaborations Collaborated with experts in plant sciences (Charles C. Davis, Yin-Long Qiu), virology (David P. Mindell), and protist biology (Deborah Faktorová).