Inga Hiiesalu is an Associate Professor of Molecular Plant Ecology at the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Science and Technology, within the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences. She specializes in plant-fungal interactions, particularly focusing on mycorrhizal fungi across environmental gradients. Her work spans global-scale studies in diverse regions, including Europe, North America, the Himalayas, and Iceland. Education: PhD in Plant Ecology (2012) and Master’s in Biology (2007), both from the University of Tartu. Research: Over 50 publications in journals like *Science*, *New Phytologist*, and *Ecology Letters*, cited over 3,400 times (H-index 24). Awards: 2015 I Prize for Young Researcher Presentation and 2012 Honorary Mention in National Student Research Competition. Research interests include biodiversity conservation, soil microbial diversity, and the ecological impacts of global change. She leads projects funded by the Estonian Research Council and EU, such as *Agroecology and New Crops in Future Climates* (€1.37M) and *Soil FUNgi in FARMing Landscapes* (€577K). Her supervision includes doctoral student Merili Simmer and master’s student Epp Maria Lillipuu. Administrative roles include editorial work, conference organizing, and society memberships (e.g., Estonian Mycological Society).
Tanel Vahter is a Research Fellow in Soil Ecology at the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences. He holds a Doctor’s Degree from the University of Tartu (2021) and a Master’s Degree in Landscape Ecology from Tallinn University (2016). His career includes roles as a doctoral student (2016–2021) and chief specialist in agrochemistry at the Agricultural Research Centre (2014–2016). Education: PhD in Botany and Ecology, University of Tartu (2016–2021) MSc in Landscape Ecology (cum laude), Tallinn University (2014–2016) BSc in Geoecology, Tallinn University (2011–2014) Research Interests: Vahter focuses on soil ecology, plant-microbial mutualisms, and sustainable agroecosystems. His work explores how agricultural practices, environmental factors, and historical habitat proximity influence soil biodiversity and ecosystem services. He emphasizes the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant growth promotion and ecological restoration, particularly in post-mining landscapes and semi-natural grasslands. His research integrates high-throughput sequencing and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to assess global plant and soil microbial diversity. Publications Trends: His articles highlight the interplay between soil microbial communities and agricultural sustainability. Recent studies investigate the impacts of tillage practices, soil compaction, and commercial inoculants on fungal diversity. He also examines the legacy effects of land-use changes on ecosystem services and the potential of native fungi for landscape restoration. Awards: 2020 Dora Plus T1.1 short-term mobility grant 2018 IAVS Travel grant for symposium participation 2018 Third place in 'Quarrie Life' European project competition 2016 Third place in Tallinn University thesis competition Advising & Grants: Vahter supervises three doctoral and three master’s students, focusing on topics like regenerative agriculture and soil health indicators. He has led or contributed to grants totaling over 1.3 million EUR, including projects on agroecology, soil biodiversity, and sustainable farming. Current roles include leading the 'Development of a fatty acid biomarker based soil health indicator' initiative and co-leading the 'FUNFARM' project. Labs & Teams: Active in research networks like the European COST Action FP1305 and collaborates with institutions such as the Estonian Research Council and the Archimedes Foundation. He is a board member of the Estonian Soil Science Society and participates in global initiatives like the Global Soil Biodiversity Conference.
Christopher Hendon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oregon, where he leads research in computational chemistry, sustainable materials, and energy storage. He is a key member of the university’s Energy and Sustainable Materials Initiative, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to address global sustainability challenges. Department: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry School: College of Arts and Sciences University: University of Oregon Lab: HMS Oregon – located in the Lewis Integrative Sciences Building Education: BSc (Advanced Hons) from Monash University, PhD from the University of Bath, Postdoc at MIT Hendon’s research spans computational modeling of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), defect chemistry in semiconductors, and the physics of coffee extraction. He uses quantum chemical simulations to study electron transport, doping, and catalytic mechanisms, with applications in batteries, hydrogen storage, and carbon capture. His work in coffee science has revolutionized understanding of water chemistry, grinding, and brewing reproducibility, influencing both industry and academic communities. The recent articles from his group reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend, combining chemistry, biology, environmental science, and sensory analysis. Key themes include coffee quality, food safety (e.g., mycotoxins), microbiome interactions, packaging, and neurocognitive effects of caffeine. The research increasingly integrates data science, consumer behavior, and sustainability metrics. Scientific Engagement: Author of Water for Coffee , a foundational text in specialty coffee Collaborator with World Barista Champions (Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, Kyle Ramage) COHOP research collaboration in coffee science Developer of a proposed interdisciplinary coffee research lab at UO Hendon actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students and collaborates with experimentalists worldwide. His lab does not handle traditional chemicals but uses supercomputers for quantum simulations. While he currently cannot support postdoctoral scholars due to funding limitations, he encourages applications from motivated graduate students through the UO Chemistry Department. His outreach through coffee has made complex scientific concepts accessible to broad audiences. Lab and Research Team: Graduate Students: Tekalign T. Debela, Parker Brodale, Doran Pennington, Brian Diamond, Casey Clark Undergraduates: Jasper Sterling, Julio Miranda, Maggie French, Laurel Wood, Ian Reynolds, Octavio Solórzano Visiting Scholar: Matthew Sciprint Focus Areas: MOFs, defect engineering, energy materials, coffee science
Dr. Jyotsna Sharma is a Professor of Plant Ecology & Conservation in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. She directs the Sharma Laboratory, which investigates biotic-abiotic interactions in plant communities through NSF, DoD, and IUCN-funded research. Her work bridges basic ecology and applied conservation in epiphytic and terrestrial systems. Education: B.S. Horticulture and Business (Summa Cum Laude) - University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Graduate Research in Plant Ecology - University of Missouri, Columbia Postdoctoral Research Associate - Iowa State University Research Focus: Dr. Sharma's lab examines spatial-temporal dynamics of angiosperm populations, specializing in orchid ecology, mycorrhizal networks, and conservation genetics. Key areas include: Orchid-fungal symbiosis and microbiome interactions Population responses to habitat fragmentation Endophytic microbial communities in rare plants Restoration ecology during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Teaching: Develops graduate courses including: PSS 6000: Research Methods in Plant Science PSS 6001/PSS 6315: Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Professional Engagement: Active member of IUCN Orchid Specialist Group, Botanical Society of America, Ecological Society of America, Native Orchid Conference, and North American Orchid Conservation Center.
Mark Müller-Linow is the Head of the Jülich Plant Phenotyping Center at Forschungszentrum Jülich's Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG), Plant Sciences (IBG-2). His work focuses on sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy through plant phenotyping, integrating 2D/3D sensor platforms and machine learning for growth dynamics and stress response analysis. His research interests include quantitative plant phenotyping, sensor development, and image processing. Recent publications emphasize non-invasive imaging techniques, computational modeling, and cost-efficient phenotyping strategies across crops like cassava, wheat, and arnica. Scientific contributions highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining plant biology, engineering, and data science to address climate adaptation and resource efficiency. He leads projects on root architecture, leaf surface modeling, and microbial interactions in cereal crops.
Davide Francioli is a Professor at Hochschule Geisenheim University, holding a Professorship for Plant Microbiomics within the Department of Soil Science & Plant Nutrition. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly in the rhizosphere, with applications to sustainable agriculture and viticulture under changing climate conditions. His research interests span plant microbiomics, soil science, plant nutrition, and rhizosphere microbiome dynamics. Dr. Francioli investigates how microbial communities influence plant stress responses, nutrient acquisition, and overall plant health, with a special emphasis on viticulture and cereal crops. His work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with practical agricultural applications, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on the application of microbial inoculants to enhance crop resilience, particularly under abiotic stress conditions like drought. His research spans multiple crops including maize, wheat, and grapevines, with a growing emphasis on viticulture applications. The interdisciplinary nature of his work combines molecular approaches with field-scale applications, demonstrating translational research from laboratory to farm. Dr. Francioli is currently leading the research project RHIZOSPHEREBE (2024-2027), funded by Forschungsring des Deutschen Weinbaus, which aims to harness the rhizosphere microbiome to improve soil health and grapevine fitness in a changing climate. This project involves field trials in Rheingau vineyards with different soil types and topography, investigating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) effects on Riesling and Pinot Blanc under drought conditions.
Barbara Campbell is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University's College of Science, where she leads research on microbial ecology and biogeochemical cycling across diverse ecosystems including estuaries, deep-sea vents, and terrestrial habitats. Her work integrates genomic approaches to unravel microbial roles in environmental processes. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Cornell University (1993) B.S. in Biology, SUNY Geneseo (1983) Dr. Campbell's research employs metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to investigate bacterial activity in river-estuarine-coastal gradients, functional redundancy in microbial communities, and microbiome contributions to plant drought tolerance. Current projects span wildfire impacts on forest microbiomes, marine biofilm engineering for naval applications, and rhizosphere microbiome manipulation for crop resilience, reflecting her focus on microbial responses to environmental change. Her 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate consistent emphasis on environmental genomics, with recurring themes of climate stressors (wildfires, drought), microbial community dynamics, and translational applications in agriculture and ecosystem management. High-impact journals like Nature, Cell, and Environmental Science & Technology highlight the interdisciplinary significance of her work. Scientific recognition includes: Excellence in Discovery Award, College of Science (2023) Dean’s Distinguished Professorship (2023-2025) Sigma Xi Outstanding Young Investigator Award (2014-2015) She mentors five PhD students, one MS student, and seven undergraduates while leading five active grants including an NSF Rules of Life project. Her lab maintains extensive collaborations across computing, plant sciences, and forestry, presenting findings at major international conferences like ASM and ASLO. Current research infrastructure includes specialized laboratories in the Life Sciences Building for genomic and metabolomic analyses of environmental samples.
Ellen Mallory is a Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Extension Specialist at the University of Maine's School of Food and Agriculture. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences (2007) from the University of Maine, alongside two M.S. degrees in Agronomy and Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin (1994), and a B.S. in Biology from Swarthmore College (1987). Her research focuses on sustainable agriculture, including grain/pulse/oilseed production, organic soil fertility systems, and PFAS contamination mitigation. She also coordinates the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program in Maine. Her work bridges research, extension, and farmer collaboration to address climate resilience, soil health, and organic farming challenges. Professional development programs for agricultural service providers are a key component of her outreach efforts. Education: Ph.D., Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine (2007) M.S., Agronomy, University of Wisconsin (1994) M.S., Land Resources, University of Wisconsin (1994) B.S., Biology, Swarthmore College (1987) Research Interests: Biologically-based soil fertility systems Organic and conventional crop production strategies PFAS uptake dynamics in agricultural crops Small grain, pulse, and oilseed market integration Professional Contributions: Maine State Coordinator for Northeast SARE Joint appointment with UMaine Extension and School of Food and Agriculture Member of American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America Labs/Teams: Active in UMaine Extension Grains & Oilseeds program and Northeast SARE initiatives.
Justine Karst is an Associate Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Her research focuses on mycorrhizal ecology, forest ecology, and ecological restoration, particularly in the context of disturbance and recovery processes. She teaches courses such as REN R 110 - Natural Resource Measurement , which introduces students to data visualization and management, and REN R 366/761 - Restoration Ecology , which explores ecological theory applied to post-disturbance forest restoration. She also supervises REN R 906A/B - Research Project for graduate students. Her research examines the role of ectomycorrhizal fungal networks in forest recovery from natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including bark beetle infestations, nitrogen deposition, and deadwood dynamics. Key themes include: Soil-fungal-plant interactions Restoration techniques in disturbed boreal forests Impacts of climate change on fungal community assembly Biogeochemical cycles in dual-mycorrhizal tree species
Professor Uta Paszkowski leads the Cereal Symbiosis Group at the University of Cambridge's Department of Plant Sciences. Her work focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis in rice and maize, aiming to optimize nutrient uptake and develop sustainable agricultural practices. She actively collaborates with the Crop Science Centre and participates in public engagement initiatives. EMBO Member (2024) National Academy of Sciences, USA, Member (2025) Her research explores rhizosphere communication and symbiotic phosphate acquisition , with recent studies highlighting 4D imaging techniques and spatial transcriptomics . Her lab's publications emphasize cross-kingdom RNA interference, membrane dynamics, and fungal structure-function relationships. Key projects include understanding signal exchange mechanisms and developing tools like the AMSlide for live imaging. Scientific accolades include: EMBO Membership US National Academy of Sciences Election
Kari Elo is a Lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Sciences , Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry , University of Helsinki. Their work focuses on Animal Science , Dairy Science , and Agricultural Biotechnology , with a recent emphasis on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy into agricultural education. Research Interests: Animal genetics, dairy cow nutrition, silage fermentation, and AI in curriculum development Publication Trends span genomic studies in livestock, metabolic adaptations during transition periods in dairy cows, and AI education in agricultural sciences. Recent 2024-2025 works explore gender disparities in AI readiness among students. Teaching & Supervision: Lecturer in animal genetics, genomics, and biotechnology. Supervised doctoral theses and BSc thesis writing processes. Key Collaborations: Projects like Science of Sustainable Agriculture (2011-2020), MOTI (2022-), and TUKI (2021-)
Dr. Paul Orwin is a Professor at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, with research focusing on microbial genetics and plant-microbe interactions. His work primarily investigates the genus Variovorax , examining horizontal gene transfer, biofilm formation, and environmental stress responses. His recent publications highlight innovative approaches in genomic analysis, fluorescent protein expression, and plant growth promotion studies. Despite extensive research output, no formal education, grant, or awards information is explicitly mentioned in the available public data. Dr. Orwin's laboratory contributes to understanding microbial adaptability and environmental interactions, particularly through undergraduate research initiatives and hybrid genome assembly techniques.
Marija Duvnjak serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Nutrition at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, specializing in feed science and animal nutrition systems. Her work integrates biochemical and microbiological approaches to optimize animal feed quality and efficiency. Academic background: PhD in Agricultural Sciences (2011-2016), University of Zagreb MSc in Biochemical Engineering (2012) MSc in Biochemical-Microbiology (2009) Research Focus: Dr. Duvnjak investigates physical-chemical properties of animal feeds, bioprocess kinetics in silage production, proteomic analysis of feed components, and applied microbiology in digestive systems. Her work targets improvements in feed formulation through understanding molecular interactions and microbial dynamics in animal nutrition. Publication Trends: Her 2016-2019 publications reveal concentrated expertise in maize silage optimization, corn hybrid characteristics, and starch metabolism. Key themes include inoculant effects on fermentation, zein content relationships with grain vitreousness, and analytical techniques for feed component analysis, spanning agricultural science, food chemistry, and veterinary nutrition disciplines. Research Leadership: She coordinates major projects including the Croatian Science Foundation study on corn carotenoid bioavailability (2020-2024) and university-funded investigations into phenolic compounds in corn, poultry product quality, and mycotoxin impacts on feed nutrients. Her grant portfolio demonstrates strong institutional support for translational research in animal nutrition. Professional Engagement: Active in the Croatian Microbiological Society (since 2014) and Croatian Standards Institute, where she contributes to national standards development for agricultural products and animal feed specifications through technical subcommittees HZN/TO34/PO 17 and HZN/TO569.
Linda Harris is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis, and serves as a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Microbial Food Safety. Her research focuses on microbial safety of fresh produce and nutmeats, including pathogen behavior, sanitation methods, and process validation in low-moisture foods. She has pioneered standard inoculation and recovery methods for pathogens on produce and nuts. Key research areas include survival of Salmonella , E. coli , and Listeria on fruits, vegetables, and nut surfaces, as well as the efficacy of sanitizers and thermal treatments. Her work addresses contamination risks during postharvest handling, irrigation practices, and storage conditions. She also evaluates consumer food preparation practices, such as soaking nuts, to mitigate foodborne illness risks. Notable contributions include modeling pathogen transfer during food handling, assessing risks in low-moisture foods like almonds and pistachios, and developing guidelines for safe food processing. She received the 2022 Black Pearl Award for Corporate Excellence in Food Safety and Quality. Her research spans multiple commodities, including citrus fruits, onions, walnuts, and cashews, with a focus on practical applications for industry and regulatory agencies. Collaborations with the almond and pistachio industries have informed risk management strategies and validation protocols for pathogen reduction processes.
Matthew Grisnik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Coastal Carolina University, specializing in spatial conservation and landscape ecology. His research focuses on understanding how ecological communities, particularly reptiles and amphibians, respond to environmental changes such as climate shifts, habitat fragmentation, and disease outbreaks. He leads the SCALE lab, which integrates fieldwork, spatial analysis, and modeling to address conservation challenges. Education: Ph.D. in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University, M.S. in Biology from Marshall University, and B.S. in Biology (minor in Chemistry) from The University of Findlay. Research Interests: Conservation biology, community ecology, biogeography, microbiome dynamics in wildlife, and the impacts of pathogens like snake fungal disease and white-nose syndrome. The SCALE lab emphasizes functional redundancy in microbial communities and landscape-scale conservation strategies. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to disease ecology, climate vulnerability assessments, and biodiversity documentation. He is an active member of professional societies including the Herpetologists League and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Advising and grants involve mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in field research and lab-based microbiology. His work bridges ecological theory and applied conservation to inform policy and management practices.
