Dr. Marco Negozio is a Fixed-Term Researcher at the Department of Systems Engineering and Industrial Technologies (DISTI) of the University of Parma. His work spans industrial engineering and microbiome research, with a focus on battery technology, sustainable manufacturing, and machine learning applications in production processes. EMAIL: marco.negozio@unipr.it OFFICE: Science and Technology Campus, Pavilion 10, Engineering Scientific Headquarters, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 PARMA Research Interests Marco's research bridges industrial engineering and microbiology, with particular emphasis on: Battery Technology : Electrode adhesion analysis using laser-textured current collectors Sustainable Manufacturing : Innovative processes for food system design and extrusion simulations Microbiome Dynamics : Gut microbiota interactions, bifidobacteria, and environmental microbial diversity Machine Learning Applications : Neural networks for microstructure prediction in aluminum alloys Publication Trends Marco's recent work shows dual expertise in industrial engineering (battery manufacturing, extrusion processes) and microbiome science (gut-brain axis, probiotic interactions). His 2025 publications highlight cross-disciplinary approaches combining mechanical engineering with microbial ecology, particularly in sustainable technologies and human health applications.
Simeon L. Minic serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, having progressed through academic ranks from Researcher-intern (2017) to his current position since 2023. His career trajectory reflects dedicated service within the same institution, including roles as Research Associate (2018-2021) and Senior Research Associate (2022). Dr. Minic completed all academic training at the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry: Basic Academic Studies in Chemical Sciences (2008-2012), Master of Academic Studies (2012-2013), and Doctorate in Chemical Sciences (2013-2017). His educational foundation underpins his specialized research in bioactive compounds from algae and protein interactions. His research program centers on bioactive chromopeptides from algae , protein-ligand interactions in food systems , protein stability under high pressure , and development of cell culture media . These interconnected themes drive innovation in sustainable food technologies, particularly for algae-based colorants, nutraceuticals, and cultured meat applications. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with practical food science challenges. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2015-2022) reveals consistent focus on phycobiliproteins from algae (particularly phycocyanobilin) and their interactions with dairy proteins (β-lactoglobulin, serum albumin, α-lactalbumin). The research combines multi-spectroscopic techniques , molecular dynamics simulations , and functional property assessment to address stability, binding mechanisms, and applications in food coloring, fortification, and health. Emerging trends show increasing emphasis on sustainable food systems, including microplastic toxicity and cultured meat media development. Dr. Minic's scientific recognition includes: First place in Montenegro's republican chemistry competition (2008) Đorđe Stefanović Diploma as top biochemistry student (2013) University of Belgrade Student Award (2013) Serbian Chemical Society Annual Award (2013) FEBS scholarships for international research (2015, 2022) He teaches core biochemistry courses including Regulation of Biochemical Processes, Enzymology, and Biochemistry of Food and Nutrition. As principal investigator, he leads four major international projects: IMPTOX (Horizon 2020 microplastics study), PRESSION (algae protein fortification using high pressure), ALG2MEAT (algae extracts for cultured meat), and Pep4Meat (algae chromopeptides as serum replacement). These projects, funded by the European Commission, ANSO, Good Food Institute, and Serbian Science Fund, demonstrate significant research leadership. His laboratory work operates within the Department of Biochemistry at Belgrade's Faculty of Chemistry, collaborating with international consortia. Dr. Minic actively contributes to the Serbian Chemical Society, Biochemical Society of Serbia, and Serbian Proteomics Association, maintaining strong professional networks in food biochemistry and protein science.
Dr. Javier Lenzi is a Researcher at the Institute for Applied Physical Geography (IAPG) at the University of Oldenburg, currently working on the EU-funded international research project Protect Baltic (2023–2028). His work focuses on environmental and marine ecological studies, particularly leveraging drone technology and spatial modeling to address biodiversity and conservation challenges. Current affiliation: University of Oldenburg (IAPG) Project: Protect Baltic (marine protected areas optimization) Dr. Lenzi’s research spans diverse ecological systems, including Antarctic marine environments, temperate wetlands, and national parks. His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining artificial intelligence , drone-based monitoring , and marine pollution analysis . His work emphasizes climate scenario modeling for biodiversity hotspots and 3D metrology applications in environmental assessment. Collaborations with institutions like HELCOM and participation in EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 initiatives underscore his contributions to marine conservation.
Mats Leifels is a Research Fellow at the Dr. Karl Landsteiner Private University of Health Sciences, focusing on the Department of Water Quality and Health. His work bridges molecular virology and environmental health, specializing in detecting enteric viruses and microbial contaminants in water systems. Education: PhD in Molecular Methods for Enteric Virus Detection (Ruhr University Bochum, 2017), Master's in Viability PCR for Viruses in Surface Waters (2013), Bachelor's in RNA Thermometers in Cyanobacteria (2011) His research interests include environmental virology, biofilm dynamics in drinking water, wastewater-based epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2, and molecular techniques like viability PCR. Recent studies explore viral transport mechanisms, pharmaceutical removal in treatment plants, and microplastic contaminant interactions. Key trends in his publications (61 total, 15 most recent shown) span wastewater surveillance of arboviruses and SARS-CoV-2 variants, biofilm impacts on water quality, and advanced PCR methods for viral infectivity. Topics like "From Lab to Lake" highlight field applications of molecular tools. Scientific contributions are recognized by two major awards: the Young Scientist Award for the Dissertation (2018) and the Gateway Fellowship Postdoc Stipend (2017) . He actively collaborates in international workshops (e.g., ONE WATER 2024, WaterMicro2025) and serves as a panel moderator.
Romi Lynn Burks is a Professor of Biology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. A dedicated aquatic ecologist, she specializes in freshwater invertebrates with a focus on Pomacea snails, integrating molecular ecology and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques into her research. Her work spans invasive species management in Texas and native population studies in Uruguay and Belize, while maintaining a unique pedagogical focus on teaching with chocolate . Education: PhD (2000) from University of Notre Dame; BS and BA (1995) from Loyola University Chicago Her research explores how ecological life histories influence freshwater snail behavior, diversity, and distribution, particularly through partnerships with Dr. Kenneth Hayes (systematics), Dr. Matthew Barnes (Texas Tech, eDNA applications), and Dr. Russ Minton (Gannon University, mystery snails). Current projects include phylogenetic analysis of Belizean apple snails and microplastic fiber quantification in local streams. She received the Garey Chair in Biology in recognition of her academic leadership. Dr. Burks actively engages undergraduates in research, mentoring students in projects like "You better Belize they're different" (2025 first-place poster) and "Extraordinary extraction efforts" (2024 DNA protocol optimization). She co-organized the 2024 Belize study abroad program and presented at the Ecological Society of America on sustaining research productivity with alumni collaborators.
Ryan Admiraal is a Senior Lecturer in Statistics and Data Science at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Washington and a BA in Mathematics from Calvin College, United States. His academic career includes prior roles at Murdoch University, Australia, as Senior Lecturer (2017–2019) and Lecturer (2009–2017). Research Interests: Ryan’s research spans applied statistics and interdisciplinary applications. Key areas include social network analysis (e.g., exponential random graph models, Bayesian inference), computational problems in disease transmission modeling (sexually transmitted infections, forest pathogens), and impact assessment for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. He also contributes to marine ecology (abalone ranching, microplastics) and plant virology (tobamoviruses, virion resilience). Teaching: He teaches courses such as DATA101: Introduction to Data Science STAT452: Bayesian Inference DATA473: Statistical Modelling for Data Science DATA581: Data Science Practicum at Victoria University of Wellington, alongside prior roles at Murdoch University and the University of Washington. Scientific Awards: Doroth M. Gilford Teaching Award (2008) Nominee for academic awards (2012, 2018) Publications: His work includes recent articles on Phytophthora-induced forest decline (2025) Bluetooth in contact tracing (2022) Marine microplastics and megafauna (2019) Network models for sexually transmitted diseases (2016) Wildlife tourism impacts (2017) Hydrological interpolation methods (2020)
Dr. Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology at an institution located in Stechlin, Germany (address: Zur alten Fischerhütte 2, 16775 Stechlin OT Neuglobsow). His work centers on the ecotoxicological effects of engineered nanomaterials and microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, utilizing experimental and modeling approaches to assess environmental risks. His primary research areas encompass aquatic microbial ecology, nanotoxicology, and plastic pollution. Specifically, he investigates the heteroaggregation of nanoplastics with natural colloids, the impact of tire wear particles on bacterial-fungal community dynamics and elemental cycling, and the role of environmental stressors in facilitating horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. His studies integrate field observations with controlled microcosm experiments to evaluate ecological consequences. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a consistent focus on the environmental fate and biological interactions of nanomaterials. Key themes include the development of standardized ecotoxicity testing protocols, the influence of natural organic matter on nanomaterial behavior, and the assessment of nanoplastic aggregation dynamics. His methodological contributions span analytical workflows for nanomaterial quantification and multimedia modeling frameworks. He is an active member of the Aquatic Microbial Ecology research group, collaborating on projects examining plankton dynamics and microbial responses to emerging contaminants in freshwater habitats across international teams.
Samantha Leigh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at California State University Dominguez Hills . Her academic journey includes a B.S. from Coastal Carolina University , a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine , and a Postdoc at California State University Fullerton . Her research focuses on animal physiology , particularly how marine organisms adapt their digestive strategies and feeding mechanisms to varying ecosystem fluxes. She has conducted groundbreaking work on seagrass digestion in bonnethead sharks , microplastic impacts on marine species , and the functional morphology of spiral intestines in sharks . Her lab employs anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to explore these questions. Her recent publications highlight biomimetic applications of shark spiral intestines , transgenerational dietary adaptation in zebrafish , and microbiome dynamics in omnivorous sharks . These works span biomechanics, marine ecology, and nutritional physiology , with a strong emphasis on 3D modeling, flow dynamics, and microbial interactions . Dr. Leigh has received numerous scientific awards , including the NSF GRFP , Save Our Seas Foundation Grant , and multiple SICB Best Talk Awards . She actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students , several of whom have won research awards. Her lab also collaborates with institutions like Friday Harbor Labs and NOAA . She is deeply committed to science outreach and education , having co-organized the UCI Climate Solutions Summit , contributed to SciGirls , and led Shark Camp programs. Her teaching includes Animal Physiology , Principles of Biology , and Human Physiology courses.
Dr. Robert Frankowski is a researcher at the Department of General and Analytical Chemistry within the Faculty of Chemical Technology at Poznan University of Technology. He earned his PhD in chemical sciences in 2021 and has been actively contributing to environmental chemistry research, particularly in the areas of water pollution analysis and biodegradation processes. Education: B.Eng. in Chemical Technology (2015), M.Sc.Eng. in Composites and Nanomaterials (2016) Position: Assistant at the Department of General and Analytical Chemistry (2020-present) Specialization: Environmental monitoring, Chromatographic methods, Analysis of bioactive compounds Dr. Frankowski's research focuses on environmental monitoring with particular emphasis on the determination of endocrine-disrupting compounds in water systems. His work spans multiple analytical approaches including chromatographic methods for detecting bisphenols, parabens, and other contaminants in surface waters and consumer products. He has conducted significant research on biodegradation processes for removing environmental pollutants, particularly focusing on bisphenols and their substitutes. His laboratory work extends to the analysis of bioactive compounds in various beverages including tea, coffee, and herbal infusions, examining how processing methods affect their chemical composition. An analysis of Dr. Frankowski's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward environmental analytical chemistry with increasing focus on emerging contaminants. His work covers a broad spectrum from fundamental analytical method development to applied environmental monitoring and risk assessment. The research areas include water pollution analysis (particularly pharmaceuticals and personal care products), biodegradation processes, microplastic interactions with contaminants, and food safety analysis related to beverage preparation methods. Dr. Frankowski has contributed to numerous collaborative research projects, often working with colleagues from the same department and other institutions. His research has been published in reputable journals including Journal of Environmental Management, Science of the Total Environment, and Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his work that bridges environmental science, analytical chemistry, and food safety. He is actively involved in teaching, conducting calculation exercises in General and Inorganic Chemistry as well as laboratory classes in General and Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Instrumental Analysis. His teaching responsibilities reflect his expertise in both fundamental chemical principles and advanced analytical techniques.
Prof. Dr. DSc, Eng. Ewa Kaczorek is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznań University of Technology, Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry. She serves as Dean of the Faculty (2020–2024) and holds leadership roles in academic commissions, including the Polish Chemical Society and Polish Academy of Sciences. 2020–2024: Dean, Faculty of Chemical Technology 2019: Position of University Professor, PUT 2014: Habilitation in Chemical Sciences, PUT 2001: PhD in Chemical Sciences, PUT 1996: MSc in Chemical Engineering, PUT Her research focuses on bioorganic chemistry , environmental biotechnology , natural surfactants , and microbial adaptation . Recent work investigates interactions between plant-derived saponins and bacterial membranes to enhance antibiotic efficacy, biodegradation of xenobiotics, and enzyme immobilization for bioremediation. Her 15 most recent articles span environmental science , biotechnology , and pharmaceutical chemistry , with themes including antibiotic resistance modulation , microplastic ecotoxicology , green surfactants , and probiotic membrane dynamics . Collaborative projects involve institutions like Adam Mickiewicz University and Gdańsk University of Technology. Scientific Awards Medal of the National Education Commission (2013) Team Awards of the Rector of PUT for Scientific Activity Individual Award of the Rector of PUT for Organizational Activities (2011) Wyróżnienia JM Rektora for outstanding academic teachers (2015) She supervises doctoral candidates (e.g., Amanda Pacholak, Agata Zdarta) and collaborates with editorial boards of Materials and Processes journals. Her leadership extends to organizing national symposia and shaping curricula for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Circular Technologies.
Anna Parus is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Poznań University of Technology , Poland. She holds a DSc in Engineering and specializes in environmental chemistry, focusing on xenobiotics and soil remediation. Her work bridges agricultural chemicals, ionic liquids, and microplastic interactions. Education: PhD (2010) in Chemical Sciences Internships: Technical University of Denmark, PRO-REGIO Foundation, Polish Academy of Sciences Research interests include: Impact of xenobiotics (herbicides, pharmaceuticals, surfactants) on soil Phytotoxicity and microbial biodiversity assessments Synthesis of amphiphilic compounds for environmental remediation Low-cost sorbents for metal removal from aqueous solutions Microplastic interactions with herbicides and antibiotics Recent publications (2023-2025) highlight her expertise in: Photocatalytic cement composites Rhamnolipid-assisted metal extraction Herbicide transformation into ionic liquids Microplastic influence on pollutant bioavailability Scientific contributions include awards from the Polish Ministry of Science and collaboration on national environmental conferences. She supervises the BioInicatywa scientific club and lectures on organic analysis and biotechnology.
Yosra Ben Cheikh is a Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Le Havre, affiliated with the joint research unit UMR-I 02 SEBIO (Environmental Stress and BIOmonitoring of aquatic environments), which integrates the University of Le Havre, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, and INERIS. Her work centers on host-pathogen-environment interactions in marine bivalves, particularly the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), investigating mortality events linked to Vibrio splendidus infections and contaminant impacts. Her research integrates marine immunology and environmental toxicology to dissect how chemical stressors like benzophenone-3 compromise immune defenses in mollusks. Key methodologies include cellular motility assays, molecular characterization of efflux pumps (e.g., ABCG2), and microbiome analysis to identify non-invasive health biomarkers. Current projects like MICROTOOL leverage microbial signatures for ecosystem biosurveillance, reflecting her focus on translating laboratory findings to field applications. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on haemocyte motility as a quantitative immunotoxicity indicator, contaminant-pathogen synergy in bivalve mortality, and innovative microbiome-based monitoring tools. Her work spans fundamental mechanisms (eicosanoid signaling in inflammation) to applied solutions (biosurveillance protocols for port environments), establishing critical links between molecular responses and ecosystem health. Dr. Ben Cheikh utilizes SEBIO's technical platforms including cell biology-cytometry, molecular microbiology, and experimental mesocosms (Mobicyte) for controlled stress exposure studies. Her research directly informs environmental risk assessment of emerging contaminants in coastal ecosystems through multidisciplinary approaches bridging immunology, toxicology, and microbial ecology.
Cecilia Kullberg is an Associate Professor in Ethology at Stockholm University's Department of Zoology, specializing in evolutionary ecology. Her research primarily focuses on bird migration, climate change effects on bird populations, and behavioral adaptations to predation risk. She serves as study director in faunistics at the Department of Zoology and is course responsible for several biology programs including independent work courses and orientation courses on bird systematics, ecology, and behavior. PhD in evolutionary ecology Associate Professor in ethology Researcher at Department of Zoology: Ecology Study director in faunistics Course responsible for multiple biology programs Dr. Kullberg's research interests center on avian ecology, with particular emphasis on how climate change affects bird migration patterns and breeding success. Her work examines long-term phenological shifts in migratory birds across latitudinal gradients, exploring how different species adapt to changing environmental conditions. She investigates behavioral adaptations related to predation risk, including anti-predator strategies and risk-sensitive foraging in mixed-species flocks. Her research also explores the physiological aspects of migration, particularly fuel deposition strategies before and after major barriers like the Sahara Desert. Analysis of Dr. Kullberg's recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts on avian populations, with particular attention to long-term monitoring data spanning decades. Her work combines field observations with advanced analytical approaches to understand how migratory birds are responding to environmental change. She has made significant contributions to understanding stopover ecology, migration timing shifts, and the physiological constraints of long-distance migration. Climate effects on Swedish bird populations project (funded by Bolin Centre for Climate Research) Long-term leaf warbler population study around Tovetorps research station since 1979 David Wheatcroft's project on bird song learning since 2020 Dr. Kullberg has supervised multiple doctoral students through completion, including Maria Almbro (Flight ability in butterflies, 2009), Ian Henshaw (Avian migration - the role of geomagnetic cues, 2009), and Robert Stach (Migratory routes and stopover behavior in avian migration, 2016). Her collaborative network includes researchers from Stockholm University, the Swedish Museum of Natural History, and international institutions like the University of Exeter. Her laboratory work is conducted within the Department of Zoology, utilizing both field and experimental approaches to examine avian behavior and ecology.
Mechthild Schmitt-Jansen is a Senior Scientist and Group Leader at the Department of Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) since 2004. She leads the Multiple Stressor Ecology research group, focusing on interactions between chemical and non-chemical stressors in aquatic systems. She has held teaching roles at TU-BA Freiberg (2011-2021) and guest positions at Université de Lorraine (2020-2022). Education: PhD in Freshwater Conservation from Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus (1995-1999), with earlier studies at Freiburg and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich. Research Interests center on: Community and systems ecotoxicology Microplastics and chemical stressor interactions Ecological modeling of pollution effects Biofilm and microbial community responses Risk assessment of phytotoxic compounds Publication Trends show expertise in environmental stressor propagation, microplastics, and biofilm metabolomics. Her work spans Environmental Science & Technology , Water Research , and Science of the Total Environment , often integrating metabolomic and multi-stressor frameworks. Key Collaborations include international institutions like Université de Lorraine and TU-BA Freiberg. Her lab contributes to projects such as MODELKEY , InCeTo , and nanoINHALE , addressing global environmental challenges.
Ayesha Siddique is a Research Fellow at the Department of System-Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany. She holds a Master's degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, and specializes in Human Genetics. Education: MSc in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (University of the Punjab) Positions: Research Assistant (2017-2019) and DAAD Doctoral Fellow (since 2019) Research Interests: Ayesha's work focuses on pesticide tolerance , genetic adaptation in macroinvertebrates, and environmental stressor interactions . She investigates fitness costs of adaptation , multi-stressor impacts , and long-term ecological consequences of chemical exposure. Her computational work intersects with toxicogenomic data analysis and molecular toxicology tools. Recent Publication Trends: Her research explores synergistic toxicant-stress interactions , hormesis inhibition at ultra-low concentrations, and gene-to-community cascades in pesticide effects. Collaborative projects address BPA alternatives , landscape-scale risk assessment , and microplastics fate in human systems . Laboratory Affiliation: Ayesha contributes to UFZ's Chemicals in the Environment research cluster and utilizes advanced platforms like FishInspector for image analysis and DeepFPlearn for chemical-target predictions.
