Brian Ingalls is a Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and cross-appointed to Biology at the University of Waterloo. His research applies mathematical and control-theoretic approaches to biological systems, including genetic regulatory networks, microbial communities, and cellular metabolism. Institutional Affiliation: Faculty of Mathematics, University of Waterloo Contact: bingalls@uwaterloo.ca His work focuses on systems biology and synthetic biology , particularly sensitivity analysis of biochemical networks, optimal experimental design, and mathematical modeling of cellular processes. Research funding comes from NSERC and CIHR . Notable contributions include the textbook Mathematical Modeling in Systems Biology (MIT Press, 2013) and the Ingalls Quantitative Cell Biology Lab , which investigates intracellular and intercellular network dynamics through computational and experimental methods. Key Collaborations: iGEM Waterloo, Chemical Engineering, and international synthetic biology networks Advising: Mentored 15+ graduate students and postdocs across applied math, biology, and engineering fields
Shu Hu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University, affiliated with the Energy Sciences Institute. He holds a PhD from Stanford University and a B.S. from Tsinghua University. His research focuses on solar energy conversion, photocatalytic devices, and sustainable chemical synthesis using CO₂ and water. The Hu Lab develops photocatalysts and reactor designs for producing H₂, CO, and small molecular-weight chemicals from renewable sources. Key areas include semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, functional coatings, and cascade catalysis under molecular flux. Notable achievements include an ACS ENFL Emerging Researcher Award (2024), a DOE Early Career Award (2021), and the Scialog Fellow designation (2020). The lab has published 86 peer-reviewed papers, graduated 5 PhD students, and employs 14 researchers. Funding comes from prestigious grants supporting energy-efficient AI hardware and scalable PEC systems. Research interests span semiconductor-electrochemistry interfaces, non-equilibrium catalysis, and multi-scale modeling. The lab’s work integrates photocatalyst discovery, device engineering, and practical reactor design to advance clean energy technologies.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Kappler is a Professor of Geomicrobiology at the University of Tübingen's Applied Geosciences department. He leads the Geomikrobiologie workgroup and holds an honorary professorship at Aarhus University. His research focuses on microbial interactions with iron, sulfur, and carbon cycles in environments ranging from permafrost thaw zones to ancient ocean analogs and extraterrestrial settings like Enceladus. Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology (2000, University of Konstanz) Diploma in Chemistry (1997, University of Konstanz) Postdoctoral work at Caltech (USA), EAWAG/ETH Zurich (Switzerland), and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Research Interests: His work explores microbial-driven mineral formation (e.g., pyrite, siderite), iron and sulfur biogeochemistry, permafrost thaw impacts on greenhouse gases, and ancient ocean geochemistry. He investigates how microbial processes shape Earth's element cycles and potential biosignatures for astrobiology. Key Contributions: Recent studies include iron-carbon interactions in thawing permafrost, nitrate-reducing Fe-oxidizing microbes, and microbial mineralization pathways under Enceladus-like conditions. His ERC-funded research examines Fe-oxidizing bacterial communities in modern/ancient systems. Awards & Recognition: Terry Beveridge Award (2012) ERC Starting Grant (2012) Fellow of the American Society of Microbiology Member of Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen Grants & Advising: Recipient of multiple grants including the prestigious ERC Starting Grant. Advises on microbial processes in extreme environments and collaborates internationally on astrobiology and climate change projects. Labs/Teams: Leads the Geomikrobiologie group at University of Tübingen, specializing in biogeochemical process analysis using state-of-the-art microscopy and geochemical techniques.
Prof. Ellen Kandeler is a leading academic in soil biology and microbial ecology at the University of Hohenheim , heading the Department of Soil Biology within the Institute of Soil Science and Site Science. Her work focuses on microbial interactions, soil organic matter dynamics, and the impacts of land use and climate change on soil systems. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), including studies on mineral-organic matter associations, pesticide degradation, and agroecosystem resilience. Research interests include rhizosphere dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and the ecological functions of soil microorganisms, with applications in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. She is also involved in institutional roles as a Deputy Ombudsperson for Scientific Integrity and member of committees overseeing large-scale research infrastructure. Her recent publications emphasize climate-soil feedbacks, microbial community assembly, and the biodegradation of agrochemicals. Projects like the DFG-FOR 1695 on agricultural landscapes under climate change highlight her commitment to addressing global environmental challenges through soil science. Prof. Kandeler’s work bridges fundamental and applied research, with a focus on translating soil microbial processes into strategies for sustainable land management and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on soil health.
Caroline Schauer is a Professor and Department Head in Materials Science and Engineering at Drexel University's College of Engineering. Holding the Margaret C. Burns Chair in Engineering, she has been tenured since 2010 and promoted to full professor in 2018. BS (1991), MS (1994), PhD (1997) in Chemistry from SUNY Stony Brook Postdoctoral fellowships at University of Twente, Tufts University, and Naval Research Laboratory Her research focuses on natural polymer processing , electrospun nanoyarns , biodegradable biomaterials , and concrete self-healing technologies . Recent work explores MICCP (microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation) for sustainable infrastructure and collagen-based nanoyarns for tissue engineering. Key trends in her publications include bio-inspired fiber design, antimicrobial material development, and environmental applications. Notable contributions span smart textiles , wound healing dressings , and conductive polymer composites . Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), 2021 ELATES Fellow, 2017-2018 Drexel Harold M. Myers Award for Distinguished Service, 2018 Drexel Fellowships Office Faculty Mentor Award, 2016 Schauer has secured funding from NSF , DOD , PA Innovation Fellowship , and the US Department of Education . She leads the Natural Materials and Polymer Processing Group and serves as President of the Fiber Society since 2023.
Hans Christian Bruun Hansen is a Professor in Environmental Chemistry at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on solid-solution processes governing pollutant fate in soils and sediments with applications in soil and water remediation. His primary research areas include: Engineering and reactivity of iron(II)iron(III) hydroxides ("green rusts") Phosphate bonding in anoxic soils Fate of natural toxins like ptaquiloside and glucosinolates Hansen pioneered critical discoveries in environmental chemistry, including demonstrating green rusts' reducing capacity for nitrate-to-ammonium conversion and dehalogenation of chlorinated compounds. His recent work shows green rusts can form 1 nm thick iron oxide sheets for catalytic applications. His research on natural toxins documented carcinogenic ptaquiloside in soil and elucidated degradation kinetics. Hansen has secured over 35 million DKK in research funding through projects like SupremeTech (phosphorus remediation) and Iron-X (solvent degradation). He teaches environmental chemistry from BSc to PhD levels and has supervised 69 MSc and 25 PhD theses. As Head of the Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics (40 researchers), he leads initiatives like the EnvEuro MSc program and Sino-Danish Water Research Center. His laboratory focuses on nanoscale remediation materials and natural toxin analysis.
Marc Habash is an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph. His work focuses on microbial interactions in environmental systems, particularly pathogen detection, microbial biofilms, and water quality. He holds a BSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto, an MSc in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario, and a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph. Research interests include molecular and culture-based detection of waterborne pathogens, microbial source tracking using Bacteroidales spp., and biofilm formation studies involving probiotics. Collaborative efforts examine proteomic analysis via mass spectrometry techniques. His lab is located in the Edmund C. Bovey Building (Room 3238). Publications emphasize environmental microbiology applications: from yeast tolerance mechanisms to advanced PCR methods for microbial viability quantification. Recent work explores bacterial surface dynamics, insect pest diapause induction, and enzymatic dehalogenation processes. Research consistently bridges fundamental microbiology with practical environmental monitoring solutions. No scientific awards are listed. Advising and grants sections remain unpopulated in available records. His interdisciplinary approach connects environmental engineering, molecular biology, and ecological systems analysis.
Steven Hall is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. Previously, he held roles as Assistant and Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University. His research focuses on agroecosystem water quality, soil carbon dynamics, and nutrient management in agricultural landscapes, with an emphasis on how redox conditions, geochemical factors, and microbial communities influence carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. He obtained a PhD in Ecosystem Science from UC Berkeley and MS/BS degrees from UW-Madison in Environment and Resources/Botany, respectively. His educational background includes studies at the University of California-Berkeley (PhD, Ecosystem Science), University of Wisconsin-Madison (MS, Environment & Resources; BS, Botany). Research priorities include evaluating conservation practices, crop diversification, and novel fertilizer technologies for environmental benefits. The Hall Lab employs mesocosm experiments, isotopic tracing, and continental-scale datasets to address challenges in climate-smart agriculture and water quality preservation. Research highlights include groundbreaking work on iron-driven carbon decomposition mechanisms, microbial controls on lignin mineralization, and nitrous oxide emissions from tile-drained soils. Recent studies emphasize the role of poorly drained depressions as nutrient leaching hotspots and the unexpected carbon losses from anaerobic soils, challenging existing biogeochemical models. Advising and grants involve mentoring current graduate students (Moira Keith, Hariom Yadav) and undergraduate researchers. Opportunities to join his lab depend on funded projects. Collaborations include the International Soil Radiocarbon Database (ISRaD) and partnerships with institutions like the Savanna Institute. The lab is situated in Moore Hall, Plant Sciences Building, with outreach activities through UW-Madison's extension programs. Key infrastructure includes automated gas flux measurement systems and soil block mesocosms. Ongoing work integrates machine learning with NEON soil data to model organic carbon dynamics, while field studies explore digestate amendments and biochar impacts. His research bridges laboratory experiments with landscape-level observations to inform sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Emma Lynch is a Lecturer in Ruminant Production at the School of Environmental and Rural Science , University of New England. Her research focuses on evaluating novel feedstuffs and their impacts on ruminant production, meat quality, and sensory attributes. Education PhD in Ruminant Nutrition, Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Animal Science (Hons), Charles Sturt University Research Interests encompass meat science , ruminant nutrition , protein supplementation , and alternative feed sources . Her work investigates how feed composition affects animal performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality, with a notable emphasis on canola meal and hemp biomass in ruminant diets. Recent publications highlight trends in feedstuff evaluation , rumen physiology , and meat quality assessment . She employs comparative methodologies (in vivo, in sacco, in vitro) to study digestibility and uses sensory panels to evaluate consumer preferences. Scientific Memberships NSW Branch Secretary, Australian Association of Animal Sciences (AAAS) Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association Contact : elynch20@une.edu.au
Colm O'Donnell is a Full Professor at the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD). He leads the Food Quality and Processing Pillar at UCD's Institute of Food & Health and has held roles including Head of the School and Vice-Principal for Teaching & Learning in the College of Engineering & Architecture. His research focuses on Process Analytical Technology (PAT), bioprocessing, and dairy technology, with emphasis on spectroscopy, bioactive compound extraction, and food safety. He coordinates EU-funded projects like DiTECT and FreshProof, and leads the UCD team in the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC). O'Donnell is a Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering and has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher. Education: BE and PhD from University College Dublin, Chartered Engineer (CEng). Research Interests: PAT for food/bioproducts, dairy processing innovations, and bioactive extraction from seaweeds. His group develops non-destructive technologies like NIR-HSI and acoustic sensors for real-time quality monitoring in food production. Grants: Over 40 grants including EU Horizon 2020, Marie Sklodowska-Curie, and industry partnerships. Recent projects include acoustic sensor development for milk protein concentrate (2020-2022) and seaweed biorefinery processes (2018-2023). Awards: Irish Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2022), EU Comett Fellowship, and editorial roles at International Journal of Food Properties and Food Engineering Reviews . Labs/Teams: Leads the PAT-focused research group at UCD's Institute of Food & Health, collaborating with industry partners like DPTC and global academic networks.
Dr Yixing Sui is a Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology at the School of Science, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Science at the University of Greenwich. He joined as a Research Fellow in Algal Biotechnology in 2019, became a Lecturer in 2023, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2024. His research focuses on leveraging microalgae, particularly Dunaliella species, for nutritional protein production, bioproduct optimization, and sustainable resource recovery from wastewater. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from the University of Antwerp (201?), an MSc in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University (2013), and a BEng in Environmental Engineering from Tianjin Chengjian University (2011). His work integrates environmental engineering, microbial physiology, and bioprocess optimization to address challenges in food security and circular economy. Dr Sui’s research interests include: Algal-based protein production for food and feed Wastewater-to-biomass conversion Light regime optimization for microalgal bioproducts Life cycle assessment of algal cultivation systems His recent publications (2019–2025) highlight advancements in: Co-production of protein and carotenoids in Dunaliella Light wavelength and intensity effects on biomass quality Wastewater utilization challenges and solutions Seaweed protein extraction technologies Dr Sui has no listed awards but has contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects at the University of Greenwich. His advising and grant activities remain unspecified in available texts. He is affiliated with the Algal Biotechnology research group and collaborates with institutions globally, including the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW).
Dr. David S. Kosson is a distinguished faculty member at Vanderbilt University, holding the Gass Family Chair in Energy and the Environment. He serves as Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. As Director of the Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (CRESP) and the Environmental Laboratory, he leads multidisciplinary research addressing nuclear waste management, environmental remediation, and policy. His work has established frameworks like the U.S. Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF), impacting national waste management policies. Dr. Kosson earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. He previously chaired Vanderbilt’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department (2000–2012). His research focuses on nuclear/chemical waste containment, contaminant mass transfer, and eco-cultural risk assessment. He advises U.S. federal agencies on defense waste remediation and chemical weapons demilitarization. Education: Ph.D., Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University M.S., Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University B.S., Chemical Engineering, Rutgers University Key Roles: CRESP Principal Investigator Environmental Laboratory Director Former Department Chair (Civil & Environmental Engineering) His research integrates laboratory experiments with field data to model long-term behavior of waste forms and geological interfaces. Notable contributions include studies on cement-rock interactions, PFAS leaching, and ecological risk assessment at DOE sites like Hanford and Oak Ridge. He has authored over 200 publications, advancing risk-informed decision-making in waste management. Scientific contributions span nuclear waste durability, eco-cultural justice frameworks, and sustainable materials engineering. He collaborates internationally on deep geological disposal systems and environmental policy.
Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Molecular Mycology at Cranfield University, affiliated with the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences and the Applied Mycology Group under the Environment and Agrifood theme. She leads the Food Safety module in the MSc Food Systems & Management program and is the Director of the Mycotoxin Training Hub, developing industry-focused training and research initiatives globally. Education: PhD in Mycotoxin Research, Federal University of Toulouse, France (2014) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, Cranfield University (2021) Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of mycotoxin production in fungi under environmental stress, particularly climate change. She develops holistic solutions from farm to fork for managing mycotoxin risks, including biocontrol agents, decision support systems, and food waste valorization. Her work spans agrifood chain contamination assessment using advanced molecular and analytical techniques. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in climate change impact on mycotoxin dynamics, real-time detection methods (e.g., CO2 monitoring, spectroscopy), biocontrol strategies in coffee and cereals, and innovative pretreatment techniques for mycotoxin analysis. Her studies often involve interdisciplinary collaborations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Scientific Awards: Best Innovative PhD Award, Federal University of Toulouse (2015) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) She actively supervises PhD and MSc students and has secured funding from Research England, Innovate UK, and BBSRC. She is co-leading the development of the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology and contributes to the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES). Her research projects include Oats for the Future, NutriNuts, and Gender-equal mycotoxin training, emphasizing sustainable and equitable food systems. Laboratories and Research Teams: Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield University Mycotoxin Training Hub (Director) Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (Co-Lead) Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) – Active Member
Professor Mou Bozhong is a full Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) . He serves as Director of the Engineering Research Center for Biorecovery, Ministry of Education and heads the Institute of Applied Chemistry . Recognized as a Foreign Academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering , he also sits on the editorial boards of five leading journals and is a member of key professional committees of the Chinese Chemical Society and Chinese Society of Microbiology. Education & Career Path B.Sc. (1982), Chengdu University of Technology M.Sc. (1989), China Coal Research Institute (Xi’an) – Geodrilling Fluid Chemistry Laboratory Ph.D. (1998), Southwest Petroleum University – Applied Chemistry/Interfacial Chemistry Postdoctoral Research (1998–2000), Ocean University of Qingdao Visiting Scholar, University of Wyoming, USA – Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) Joined ECUST as Full Professor (January 2001–present) Research Interests Professor Mu’s interdisciplinary research integrates microbiology, interfacial chemistry, and petroleum engineering . He investigates microbial life in extreme reservoir environments , focusing on: Structure and function of biosurfactants and bio-based surfactants Anaerobic biodegradation pathways of petroleum hydrocarbons and associated biomarkers Microbial community dynamics in high-temperature, high-pressure reservoirs CO₂ biotransformation and biofixation by reservoir microorganisms for CCUS applications Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and mitigation strategies in oilfield systems Publication & Patent Trends His 200+ SCI-indexed articles and 50+ invention patents (32 authorized) reveal a trajectory from fundamental molecular simulation of lipopeptide surfactants to large-scale field demonstrations of MEOR and CO₂-EOR technologies. Notable themes include in-situ microbial community engineering, metabolic pathway reconstruction via multi-omics, and development of eco-friendly surfactants for enhanced energy recovery . Scientific Awards & Honors Foreign Academician, Russian Academy of Engineering Second Prize, National Science and Technology Progress Award (2010) First Prize, Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award (2008) First Prize, China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Achievement Award Baosteel Outstanding Teacher Award National Teaching Achievement Award (Second Prize) Enjoys Special Government Allowance from the State Council Member, 11th & 12th Shanghai CPPCC Teaching & Mentoring Professor Mu delivers core undergraduate courses in Physical Chemistry and graduate courses in Biophysical Chemistry and Energy Biotechnology . He pioneered the nation’s first bilingual Physical Chemistry demonstration course and mentors students in chemistry, microbiology, and bioengineering, actively recruiting Ph.D. and Master’s candidates. Laboratory & Teams His laboratories (Room 225, Laboratory Building 3) house the Engineering Research Center for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery , equipped for molecular microbiology, interfacial chemistry, and pilot-scale bioprocess testing. The group collaborates with PetroChina, SINOPEC, and international partners to translate fundamental discoveries into field applications.
Elizabeth A. Edwards is a University Professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry , with cross-appointments to the Department of Cell & Systems Biology . As Director of BioZone and Canada Research Chair in Anaerobic Biotechnology, she leads groundbreaking research in microbial bioremediation of groundwater pollutants and industrial wastewater treatment through anaerobic digestion. Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (Stanford, 1993) M.Eng. and B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering (McGill, 1985/1983) Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Her research focuses on anaerobic microbial communities that degrade pollutants like chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons. Using advanced molecular biology, genomics, proteomics , and biochemical pathway analysis , her lab investigates functional interactions in microbial consortia and translates discoveries to commercial applications such as the KB-1® bioproduct . Recent studies examine enzyme activity, lignocellulose degradation, and granulation dynamics in anaerobic reactors. Scientific Recognition: 2020 Killam Prize in Engineering 2016 Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) 2014 Royal Society of Canada Fellow 2011 Canadian Academy of Engineering Fellow 2011 AAAS Fellow 2008-2010 Killam Research Fellowship She supervises extensive graduate student projects spanning enzyme discovery, bioremediation optimization, and microbial consortium analysis. Her lab collaborates with GeoSyntec Consultants and SiREM Labs for field implementation of bioremediation strategies.
