Professor Daniel Segrè is a faculty member at Boston University, holding the title of Professor of Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on systems biology, microbial ecology, and metabolic engineering, with an emphasis on understanding complex biological networks and their applications in bioenergy and biomedicine. Segrè leads the Segre Lab ( segrelab.bu.edu ), where theoretical and computational approaches are applied to study metabolism, microbial interactions, and synthetic biology. Segrè earned his PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. His work bridges fundamental science and applied engineering, addressing topics such as microbial community dynamics, metabolic pathway design, and environmental microbiome applications. Research Interests: Systems biology of metabolism, evolution of biochemical networks, microbial interactions, bioinformatics, and environmental microbiome engineering. His lab develops computational models (e.g., COMETS) to simulate microbial ecosystems and design synthetic microbial communities for climate change mitigation and bioenergy production. Teaching: Courses include BE 777 (Computational Genomics), BF 821 (Bioinformatics Seminar), and BF 571 (Dynamics and Evolution of Biological Networks). These courses reflect his expertise in integrating computational methods with biological systems analysis.
Lucas Paoli is a Researcher and Course Instructor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. He leads the Paoli Lab (Microbiome Immunity and Ecology) within the Global Health Institute (GHI) under the School of Life Sciences (SV). His roles include scientific collaboration and teaching responsibilities in life sciences engineering. Paoli holds a PhD in Microbiome Research from ETH Zürich (2018-2023), an M.Phil. in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge (2017-2018), and an M.Sc. in Ecology and Evolution from École normale supérieure (2015-2017). Research Focus: His work bridges microbial immunity and ecology, investigating how microbes defend against viral infections across ecosystems like oceans and human microbiomes. Techniques include global-scale metagenomics and functional genomics to study immune strategies and ecological interactions. Key themes involve microbial community dynamics, viral defense mechanisms, and the impact of environmental factors on microbial immunity. Lab & Education: The Paoli Lab explores microbiome-immunity interactions with a focus on ecological contexts. Paoli supervises PhD students in Life Sciences Engineering. His research outputs span microbial ecology, metagenomic tool development, and marine microbiome studies. Contact: lucas.paoli@epfl.ch, AAB 1 39, +41 21 693 16 99.
Professor Lindsay Turnbull is a Professor of Plant Ecology at the University of Oxford's Department of Biology. Her research focuses on understanding the evolutionary and ecological basis of plant trait diversity and its consequences for ecosystems. Key interests include seed size variation, plant-soil interactions, and the impact of organic farming on biodiversity. She leads a research group exploring topics such as mutualism stability, species coexistence, and island conservation genetics. Turnbull's work integrates experimental, observational, and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in ecology. Her lab, based at the Department of Biology (Mansfield Road and South Parks Road campuses), has contributed to global understanding of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships and plant-microbe symbioses. Notable projects include studies on Aldabra giant tortoises and coral reef connectivity in the Seychelles, highlighting her commitment to applied conservation science. Her research spans multiple scales—from molecular interactions in legume-rhizobia systems to large-scale biodiversity patterns in grasslands and tropical ecosystems. Recent work emphasizes the role of trait-based approaches in predicting ecological responses to environmental changes such as eutrophication and climate variability. Her publications frequently bridge theoretical and applied ecology, offering insights into both natural and human-managed ecosystems.
Anya L. Brown is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis, based at the Bodega Marine Lab. Her research focuses on the community ecology of marine systems, particularly coral reefs, investigating how host-associated microbes and trait variation influence species resilience to stress, ecological interactions, and adaptive plasticity. Education: B.S. (Brown University, 2009), M.S. in Biology (California State University, Northridge, 2012), Ph.D. in Ecology (University of Georgia, 2018). Postdoctoral Experience: Ewel Postdoctoral Fellow in Tropical Ecology (University of Florida, 2018-2020); Postdoctoral Scholar in Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 2020-2022). Her recent publications highlight microbial dynamics in coral reefs, antibiotic effects on reef microbiomes, and trait-mediated interactions. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining molecular tools with observational and experimental studies. The Brown Lab actively engages students in cross-system marine research, prioritizing inclusivity in scientific communities. Key trends in her work include understanding microbial responses to environmental stressors, coral disease mechanisms, and the role of extended phenotypes in reef ecology. These studies span tropical and temperate marine ecosystems, with implications for conservation and restoration. Scientific Awards: Hellman Fellowship 2024-25 Ewel Postdoctoral Fellowship in Tropical Ecology Dr. Brown's lab fosters research across coral reefs and local coastal systems, integrating ecological and microbial perspectives. She advocates for inclusive teaching and research practices while advancing microbial ecology frameworks in marine conservation.
Prof. Flavio Anselmetti is a Full Professor of Quaternary Geology and Paleoclimatology at the University of Bern , where he has been employed since 2012. He also serves as the Managing Director of the Institute of Geological Sciences . Prior to this, he held significant roles at ETH Zurich, including SNSF Assistant Professor, and at EAWAG Dübendorf as Head of the Sedimentology Group, while remaining a Titular Professor at ETH Zurich until 2012. His academic training includes a Diploma in Geology (1990) from the University of Basel , followed by a PhD (1994) from ETH Zurich and University of Miami (USA) . He spent three years as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate at the University of Miami between 1994 and 1997. Paleoseismology : Using lacustrine and marine sediments to reconstruct earthquake and tsunami records Climate Change Studies : Investigating Holocene and Pleistocene climate shifts through sediment cores Sediment Dynamics : Analyzing source-to-sink systems and glacial sediment properties His recent publications focus on sedimentary archives in Science Advances , Quaternary Research , and Environmental Modelling and Software , with an emphasis on deep learning applications in sediment analysis , multi-proxy paleoenvironmental reconstructions , and human impact assessments over millennia. He has contributed to major projects in the Alpine foreland and Caribbean regions . Prof. Anselmetti leads the Quaternary Geology and Paleoclimatology Research Group and collaborates with international teams on ICDP-DOVE drilling campaigns and multibeam bathymetry mapping in Swiss lakes. His work extends to geohazard assessment , carbonate-siliciclastic shelf dynamics , and subaqueous fault analysis in active tectonic zones.
Laura (Kai) Burrus is a Professor in the Department of Biology within the College of Science and Engineering at San Francisco State University, where she has been a faculty member since 1997. Her research has evolved from studying Wnt signaling in developmental biology to addressing climate change resilience through microbial ecology. Education: BS in Chemistry - College of William and Mary (1986) PhD in Biochemistry - University of Wisconsin-Madison (1991) Post-doc in Developmental Biology - Harvard University (1996) Dr. Burrus' research has historically focused on the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying Wnt gradient formation in chick embryos, with relevance to birth defects and cancer. Her work has been funded by NIH, NSF, CSUPERB, and MDA over the last 20 years. She is currently transitioning her research to analyze the role of microbes in climate change resilience, motivated by her recognition that 'climate change is inherently racist.' She is actively involved with Lifting Black Voices in STEM and is leading an effort to launch an interdisciplinary Certificate in Climate Change Causes, Impacts, and Solutions. As one of five LGBTQIA biology faculty at SFSU, she brings unique perspectives to her work on inclusive classroom practices. Her publication record spans from 1994 to 2021, with recent work focusing on Wnt signaling mechanisms, educational approaches in STEM, and the transition to climate change research. Her research shows a clear evolution from fundamental developmental biology to applied environmental science, while maintaining a strong foundation in molecular and cellular mechanisms. Scientific Contributions: Pioneering work on Wnt protein trafficking and modification Research connecting Wnt signaling to cancer biology Leadership in developing inclusive STEM education practices Transition to climate change resilience research with focus on microbial ecology Dr. Burrus has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students throughout her career, with many alumni going on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in science. She has been actively involved in pedagogical innovation and is pioneering new approaches to effectively communicate research to both scientific and lay communities. Her lab has received funding from multiple sources including NIH, NSF, CSUPERB, and MDA. She is currently involved in oyster reef restoration research in the San Francisco Bay, investigating microbial communities as indicators of climate resilience. This work represents an aspirational shift from her previous focus, leveraging molecular expertise to address pressing climate challenges while mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
Jennifer F. Biddle is the Mary A.S. Lighthipe Professor of Marine Studies at the University of Delaware's School of Marine Science & Policy. Her research focuses on microbial ecology of marine systems, deep biosphere life, benthic archaea and bacteria, and geobiology. She leads the Biddle Lab, which explores subsurface microbial processes and their impacts on global biogeochemical cycles. Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University (2006) B.S. with Honors, Biotechnology, Rutgers University (1999) Her work spans topics such as Microbial diversity in deep marine sediments Methane cycling in coastal and open ocean environments Interactions between marine organisms and their microbiomes Biogeochemical processes in extreme environments Recent metagenomic studies from her lab reveal conserved microbial functions across tropical reef fish guts and dynamic archaeal-bacterial communities in Atlantic Ocean sediments. The Biddle Lab maintains active engagement with scientific communities through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, emphasizing outreach and collaborative science.
Dr. Jaan Pu is an Associate Professor at the University of Bradford, UK, affiliated with the School of BEACI within the Faculty of Engineering & Digital Technologies. He holds visiting scientist roles at Tsinghua University and Nanyang Technological University. His research focuses on numerical and experimental approaches to water engineering challenges, including sediment transport, turbulence modeling, and flood dynamics. Dr. Pu serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Environmental Science and Frontiers in Built Environment , and editorial roles in other journals. His work integrates computational tools (e.g., Delft3D, MATLAB) with experimental techniques (ADV, PIV) to study flows in rivers, coastal areas, and urban environments. Research interests include turbulence structures around bridge piers, scour reduction mechanisms, and environmental hydraulics. Teaching areas cover Water Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, and Mechanics. His publications span 73 works addressing topics from coral reef protection to sedimentation in rainwater systems. Professional activities include editorial board memberships, conference organizing, and peer review for high-impact journals.
Bradley Moore is a Professor at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), holding dual appointments in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine) and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences . His research focuses on marine chemical biology, natural products chemistry, microbial genomics, and environmental toxicology. He earned a B.S. from the University of Hawaii, a Ph.D. from the University of Washington, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Zurich. His work spans marine drug discovery, toxin mechanisms, and microbial metabolomics. Notable contributions include elucidating biosynthetic pathways for anticancer agents like salinosporamide A and studying the ecological roles of marine natural products. He actively investigates marine microbiome-driven processes, including coral genome conservation and harmful algal bloom dynamics. Recent publications highlight advancements in genome assembly (e.g., Corallium rubrum), enzymatic mechanisms (diiron oxidases), and toxin prediction models. His lab integrates bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and field studies to address environmental and biomedical challenges. Dr. Moore collaborates across disciplines to advance marine biotechnology and has contributed to initiatives like molecular forecasting of domoic acid blooms. His research emphasizes translating marine natural products into therapeutics while addressing ecological impacts of climate change and pollution.
Maja Adamska is an Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU) in the Research School of Biology. She serves as Associate Director of Education and Head of the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre. Her primary research affiliation is with the Division of Biomedical Science and Biochemistry, where she leads the Adamska Group focused on the genomic and evolutionary basis of animal development. She is based in Room 2.022, Level 2, Linnaeus Building at ANU. Dr. Adamska studied biology with a focus on embryology and evolutionary biology at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. She completed her PhD in Germany working with Eva Bober and Thomas Braun on homeobox genes in inner ear development using vertebrate models from medaka fish to mice. Her postdoctoral work included research at the University of Michigan in Miriam Meisler's laboratory studying mouse mutants for limb patterning, followed by work at the University of Queensland with Bernie Degnan analyzing developmental signaling pathways in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica. She was a group leader at the Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology in Bergen, Norway from 2007-2015 before joining ANU in 2015. Her research addresses fundamental biological questions about how complex animals develop from single cells and how the first multicellular animals evolved from single-cell ancestors. She uses calcareous sponges to investigate the evolutionary origins of key developmental processes including germ layer segregation and axial patterning. Her work spans multiple areas including evolutionary developmental biology, comparative genomics, and the study of major transitions in animal evolution such as the emergence of multicellularity and morphological complexity. Her research has revealed surprising similarities between sponge and higher animal embryonic development, challenging traditional views of animal evolution. Analysis of Dr. Adamska's recent publications shows a strong focus on sponge and coral biology, with increasing attention to conservation and sustainability issues related to marine ecosystems. Her work combines molecular, genomic, and evolutionary approaches to understand fundamental biological processes, with particular emphasis on gene regulatory networks, developmental signaling pathways, and the genomic basis of morphological complexity in early-branching animals. ARC Future Fellow (since 2017) h-index of 32 with 3,990 citations according to Scopus Multiple research grants including ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies (2014-2021) Dr. Adamska supervises research on multiple projects including coral regeneration, molecular mechanisms of developmental signaling pathways in sponges, identification of target genes for developmental transcription factors, skeleton formation in corals and sponges, and sponge and coral microbiomes. She also serves as Convenor for BIOL2174 and has developed innovative educational approaches including the Digital Marine platform for blended learning in marine biology. Her research group, the Adamska Group, focuses on the genomic and evolutionary basis of animal development, using calcareous sponges as model organisms to gain insights into the evolutionary origins of complex developmental processes. The group collaborates with international researchers across multiple institutions to advance understanding of early animal evolution and development.
Dr. David Abrego is a Senior Lecturer at the National Marine Science Centre within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University. His marine ecology research focuses on coral responses to climate change, contributing directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals for ocean conservation and climate action across the Indo-Pacific region. His academic credentials include: PhD in Marine Science from James Cook University Master of Applied Science from James Cook University Bachelor of Science from University of California, Santa Barbara Abrego's research program investigates coral resilience through three interconnected pillars: early life history processes (recruitment, settlement, symbiosis establishment), environmental stress tolerance mechanisms (thermal adaptation, bleaching resistance), and restoration applications (symbiont engineering, marginal environment characterization). His multidisciplinary approach integrates field ecology with molecular techniques including genetics, photo-physiology, and selective breeding to develop practical conservation strategies for warming oceans. Current projects specifically examine how coral-microalgal symbioses can be harnessed to accelerate reef recovery and identify thermally tolerant corals in extreme environments. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant research trajectory toward assisted evolution and symbiosis-based restoration , with 60% of articles focusing on thermal tolerance mechanisms and symbiont manipulation. Geographic scope spans Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Japanese Okinawa reefs, and Persian Gulf ecosystems, highlighting comparative adaptation studies in naturally extreme environments. Methodologically, his work increasingly incorporates advanced technologies like drone-based monitoring and deep learning for reef assessment alongside traditional laboratory husbandry techniques. Abrego actively mentors higher degree research students through Southern Cross University's marine science programs and maintains international collaborations across Australia, Japan, and the UAE. His teaching portfolio includes coordinating the Bachelor of Marine Science and Management program and delivering specialized courses in coral biology, ecology, and global environmental systems. Based at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, Abrego leads a research group focused on translating laboratory findings into field applications for reef restoration. Current initiatives include developing symbiont-inoculation protocols for coral nurseries and establishing long-term monitoring sites in marginal reef environments to track climate adaptation in real time.
Associate Professor Simon McIlroy is a microbial ecologist at Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences , specializing in visualization and characterization of microorganisms in their natural environments. PhD in Microbiology from La Trobe University Postdoctoral research at Aalborg University's Centre for Microbial Communities Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Queensland's Australian Centre for Ecogenomics Current ARC Future Fellow at QUT's Centre for Microbiome Research His research combines meta-omics and single-cell visualization to investigate anaerobic methanotrophic archaea in freshwater sediments, focusing on: Novel respiratory strategies in archaeal lineages Methane oxidation biogeochemical cycles Environmental microbiology of wastewater systems Microbial community imaging techniques Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Fluorescence in situ hybridization Multi-heme cytochrome functions Iron-methane redox interactions Protozoal-microbiome dynamics Viral ecology in marine systems Microbial life cycle analysis Scientific recognition includes: ARC Future Fellow for methane-oxidizing archaea research Available for supervision in areas including: Strain-level microbiome characterization Fluorescence microscopy applications Adaptive evolution of methanotrophic archaea Cell sorting and confocal microscopy
Bettina Glasl is a Senior Scientist at the University of Vienna within the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (Division of Microbial Ecology). Her research focuses on symbiotic interactions between marine reef invertebrates (e.g., corals, sponges) and microbial communities, emphasizing their role in ecosystem health and resilience. Academic Rank: Researcher Email: bettina.glasl@univie.ac.at Her work combines field experiments, aquarium-based studies, and advanced techniques like meta'omics, chemical imaging, and microscopy to investigate adaptations of ammonia-oxidizing archaea in sponge symbiosis. Articles highlight microbial indicators for reef health, nitrifying symbionts, and environmental stress responses. Recent publications (2024–2017) analyze microbial dynamics in coral mucus, seasonal microbiome variation, and rehabilitation strategies for coral reefs. Keywords include Microbial Ecology , Coral Reef Resilience , and Marine Symbiosis , with subfields like Taurine Metabolism and Vertical Transmission of Symbionts .
Rodrigo Riera Elena is a University Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. His research focuses on marine biodiversity, climate change impacts, and the ecological dynamics of coastal and oceanic ecosystems. He is affiliated with the GIR ECOAQUA research group (Biodiversity and Conservation) and the IU of Sustainable Aquaculture and Ecological Research. Key research interests include: marine invertebrate ecology, effects of human activities on coastal ecosystems, limpet and mollusc population dynamics, and the conservation of seagrass and macroalgal habitats. He leads studies on the resilience of rhodolith beds and their ecosystem services in oceanic archipelagos, as part of the 2022-2025 project Hábitats Popcorn funded by Spain's Ministry of Science and Innovation. His work integrates field observations, experimental approaches, and modeling to address pressing ecological questions. Notable contributions include studies on invasive species, fisheries sustainability, and the effects of warming oceans on marine communities. He maintains an active presence in science communication through public outreach initiatives and collaborations with international research networks. Laboratory and fieldwork affiliations include the Department of Biology's marine ecology lab and collaborations with institutions in Chile, Iran, and the Arabian Gulf. His research has been published in high-impact journals and presented globally at conferences focused on marine conservation and climate change adaptation.
Rachel Wright serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Southern Methodist University (SMU), teaching advanced courses including BIOL 4322: Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes and BIOL 3222: Molecular Genetics Laboratory. Her academic credentials feature: BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from University of Texas, Austin Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from University of Texas, Austin Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School Postdoctoral training at Boston University Dr. Wright's research centers on coral reef molecular ecology , with emphasis on symbiosis dynamics and stress response mechanisms . Key investigations include gene expression patterns during thermal challenges, microbiome variations across symbiotic states, and molecular tradeoffs in coral immunity. Her work bridges laboratory genetics with conservation applications through studies of cnidarian models like Exaiptasia diaphana and reef-building corals. Publication analysis (2013-2024) reveals consistent focus on coral holobiont responses to climate stressors, with recent contributions to Symbiodiniaceae diversity standards (2023) and thermal adaptation mechanisms (2024). Notable interdisciplinary work includes developing inclusive scientific metrics (2021) and connecting gene expression data to restoration practices. Information regarding research grants, laboratory facilities, and graduate student mentorship is not specified in available institutional records.
