Dr. Nicodem Govella is an Affiliate Researcher at University of Glasgow's School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, specializing in malaria vector ecology. His research examines climate impacts on vector dynamics, insecticide resistance mechanisms, and novel surveillance tools. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on: vector behavior genetics, climate-disease relationships (particularly ENSO effects), Wolbachia-mosquito interactions, and evaluation of novel trapping methodologies across Tanzanian field sites. Research consistently employs One Health frameworks, integrating entomological, epidemiological, and climate data to improve vector control strategies.
Dr. Piotr Trebicki is a Researcher in Insect Vectors at Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University. He holds external roles as a Visiting Scientist at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (2023–present), Senior Fellow (Honorary) at the University of Melbourne (2020–present), and previously served as Senior Research Scientist at Agriculture Victoria (2013–2022) and Research Associate at Michigan State University (2011–2012). His research focuses on plant virology, entomology, and climate change impacts on plant-pathogen-insect interactions. Key areas include aphid-mediated virus transmission (e.g., BYDV, TuYV), climate-driven pest dynamics, and agricultural disease management strategies. He bridges plant virology, entomology, and physiology to address food security challenges under climate change. Recent work emphasizes virus resistance in crops like canola and oilseed rape, as well as invasive pest genetics and Wolbachia symbiosis. His studies on elevated CO₂ and temperature effects on aphid–plant–virus interactions provide critical insights for sustainable agriculture. Current Projects: AI-driven pest monitoring (banana/fruit spotting bugs) Hemp pest biological control strategies Awards: None explicitly listed, though his work has been cited 7 times (h-index 2 as of 2023). Labs/Teams: Collaborates widely in global plant health networks, contributing to initiatives like the AGFACE CO₂ enrichment program and iMapPESTS surveillance tools.
Dr. Jane Hawkey is a Research Fellow in Infectious Diseases at Monash University, specializing in bacterial genomics and antimicrobial resistance. Her work focuses on genomic evolution of hospital pathogens and mobile genetic elements. She holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne (2017) and a BSc (Honours) in Microbiology from the same institution (2012). Her research interests include bacterial genomics, mobile genetic elements, and the development of genomic methods for tracking pathogens. She has led projects such as the RESERVOIR initiative for antimicrobial resistance surveillance and was awarded the Endeavour Fellowship (2019) and VESKI Victoria Fellowship (2017). Education: PhD in Microbial Genomics, University of Melbourne (2017) Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Microbiology, University of Melbourne (2012) Research Focus: Her work addresses the genomic dynamics of antimicrobial resistance dissemination, particularly through mobile elements like insertion sequences and plasmids. She has developed tools like ISMapper for detecting insertion sequences in bacterial genomes and contributed to global surveillance of pathogens like Shigella sonnei and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Key Projects: Primary Investigator for 'Advancing diagnosis and prevention of antimicrobial-resistant infections with genomics' (2025–2029) Co-Investigator for 'RESERVOIR: Hospital wastewater surveillance for antimicrobial resistance' (2024–2027) Awards: Endeavour Fellowship (2019) VESKI Victoria Fellowship (2017) Advising & Grants: While no students are explicitly listed, her projects involve collaborative teams with global partners. Her work has been supported by competitive fellowships and grants focusing on genomic surveillance and clinical applications. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Holt Group at Monash University's Department of Infectious Diseases, contributing to multidisciplinary research on pathogen evolution and clinical microbiology.
Dr. Wesley Freppel is a Research Fellow at Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, focused on molecular virology and virus-host interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Virology and Immunology from INRS (Canada) and M.Sc. degrees from Aix-Marseille University and the University of Strasbourg (France). His research examines the replication dynamics of +ssRNA viruses, including flaviviruses and alphaviruses, and their manipulation of host cell processes like mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism. He leads multidisciplinary projects to develop antiviral therapies and optimize diagnostic methods. Education: Ph.D. Virology and Immunology, INRS, Canada M.Sc. Human Pathology, Aix-Marseille University, France M.Sc. Cellular Physiopathology, University of Strasbourg, France B.Sc. Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Strasbourg, France Research Interests: +ssRNA viruses, flavivirus/alphavirus pathogenesis, cell metabolism, viral replication mechanisms, and antiviral drug development. His work bridges virology, cell biology, and biochemistry to address pandemic threats like SARS-CoV-2, Zika, and Ross River virus. Funded Projects: Includes grants from Griffith University and external agencies for studies on flavivirus-peroxisome interactions, panflaviviral therapeutics, and alphavirus-induced arthritis. Recent awards include travel grants to the American Society of Virology and Australasian Virology Society. Media Contributions: Authored articles on viral immunity, antiviral treatments, and pandemic responses for public health awareness. Contributed to optimizing SARS-CoV-2 saliva testing during the pandemic, achieving 20,000 weekly tests in Montreal hospitals. Advising & Grants: Current associate supervisor for a doctoral project on host-pathogen interfaces. Secured over AUD 300,000 in internal grants for virology research. Collaborates with Prof. Lara Herrero's lab, ranked #1 in Ross River virus research. Labs & Teams: Member of Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, part of a team advancing viral diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
Dr Hong Gao is a Senior Lecturer in Biology at Teesside University, affiliated with the School of Science, Engineering and Design and the SHLS Life Sciences Centre for Biodiscovery. She holds a PhD in Biochemical Engineering from Tsinghua University (2005) and a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the same institution (2000). Her career includes roles as Assistant and Associate Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and postdoctoral research at the University of East Anglia, St Andrews, Edinburgh, and York, supported by a Marie-Curie Fellowship. Research Interests : Natural product discovery and biosynthesis Synthetic biology Bioproduction optimization Metabolic engineering of Streptomyces and other actinomycetes Antibiotic and anticancer agent development Her work focuses on engineering microbial systems for enhanced production of valuable compounds, particularly secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical applications. Recent research highlights include optimizing marinomycin synthesis and developing serine integrase tools for genetic manipulation in Streptomyces species. Grants & Projects : Platform Cell Factory (UKRI BBSRC, 2021–2025) EQATA: Equitable Access to Antibiotics in Africa (2020–2022) THYME: Redox Balancing for Ethanol Production (2019–2021) Awards : Marie-Curie International Incoming Fellowship (2011). Dr Gao teaches Food Biotechnology and contributes to interdisciplinary research bridging chemical engineering, microbiology, and synthetic biology.
Katherine A. Fitzgerald is a Professor and Vice Chair of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, where she also serves as Chief of the Division of Innate Immunity and holds the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III. She has joint appointments in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences across multiple departments including Immunology and Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, MD/PhD Program, Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, and Translational Science. UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Medicine T.H. Chan School of Medicine Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Dr. Fitzgerald received her B.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1995 from University College Cork, Ireland and her PhD in Biochemistry in 1999 from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. After completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Trinity College Dublin, she joined UMass Chan as an Instructor and has since become a tenured Professor, establishing herself as a leading researcher in innate immunity. Dr. Fitzgerald's research focuses on the innate immune system, specifically investigating the molecular basis of inflammatory responses during infection and in inflammatory diseases. Her laboratory studies nucleic acid sensors, inflammasomes, and long non-coding RNAs in immunity and inflammation. The overarching goal of her work is to determine how innate immune sensing and signaling contribute to infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases in humans. Her expertise spans multiple areas including the cGAS-STING pathway, inflammasome activation, and the role of non-coding RNAs in immune regulation. Analysis of Dr. Fitzgerald's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the cGAS-STING pathway and its role in various disease contexts, including viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. Her work also prominently features research on inflammasomes, pyroptosis, and the role of long non-coding RNAs in immune regulation. There is a clear translational emphasis in her research, with multiple studies exploring therapeutic applications of modulating innate immune pathways. Dr. Fitzgerald has received numerous prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to immunology: 2022 Thermofischer Meritorious Career Award, American Association of Immunologists 2021 Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences 2021 Elected member, National Academy of Medicine 2020 Elected member, Royal Irish Academy 2020 Elected Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology 2018 Women in Science and Health Achievement Award 2018 Alumni Achievement Award, University College Cork 2015 Saint Patricks Day Medal 2014 Milstein Award for Excellence in Interferon and Cytokine research Dr. Fitzgerald has extensive service both locally at UMass Chan and nationally, including service on the Massachusetts Center For Pathogen Readiness, NIAID Board of Scientific Councillors, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases, and the Cancer Research Institute. She previously served as President of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society. Her laboratory actively welcomes graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with rotation opportunities available through the various graduate programs at UMass Chan. Dr. Fitzgerald leads the Program in Innate Immunity at UMass Chan Medical School, which brings together researchers studying various aspects of innate immune recognition and signaling. Her laboratory is at the forefront of research on DNA sensing pathways, inflammasome biology, and the role of non-coding RNAs in immune regulation, with findings that have significant implications for understanding and treating infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Scott Harper is an Associate Professor of Virology and Director of the CPCNW at Washington State University’s Department of Plant Pathology. His research focuses on viruses and systemic pathogens of perennial crops in the Pacific Northwest, including fruit trees, grapevines, and hops. Key interests include virus-virus interactions, viral infection processes, and novel diagnostic tools. He holds a PhD from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Education: PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Auckland (2009) MSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, University of Auckland (2005) BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Auckland (2003) Research Interests: Dr. Harper’s work addresses virus interactions influencing disease expression, tissue tropism of infections, and development of advanced detection assays. His studies aim to leverage virus-virus dynamics for disease control in perennials. Recent work includes managing X-disease (caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni ) and Little Cherry Virus-2 in stone fruits, as well as hop viroid detection. Publications highlight molecular diagnostics, phytoplasma diversity, and vector biology. His team collaborates with industry to translate research into practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Ralph Buij is a Researcher in Animal Ecology at Wageningen University, focusing on avian migration, conservation biology, and human-wildlife interactions. His work spans studies on raptors, protected area dynamics, and the health implications of illegal wildlife trade. He collaborates internationally on projects in Africa and Europe, addressing threats to biodiversity such as poisoning and wind energy impacts. Buij co-supervises PhD candidates exploring urban wild meat value chains, vulture ecology, and solar panel effects on biodiversity. His research integrates field data with technological tools like eDNA and GPS tracking to inform conservation policies. Key contributions include documenting population declines in African savanna raptors and assessing risks of wind turbines to migratory birds. He has published on topics ranging from eagle migration patterns to zoonotic disease transmission in wildlife markets. Media engagements highlight his expertise in wildlife conservation challenges, such as vulture poisoning and goose management in the Netherlands. Current projects include analyzing health risks in urban wild meat chains (Nairobi and Lagos) and managing goose populations through adaptive flyway strategies. He leads initiatives to balance renewable energy development with biodiversity protection, emphasizing evidence-based policy solutions.
Dr. Alexander Zakhartchouk is an adjunct professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on developing novel vaccines for swine diseases, utilizing adenovirus vectors for vaccine design, and studying virus-host cell interactions. He has supervised 4 postdoctoral fellows, 6 technicians, and a graduate student. Dr. Zakhartchouk holds an MSc in biochemistry and DVM from the Moscow Veterinary Academy, Russia, and a PhD in molecular biology from the National Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow. His teaching involvement includes contributing to the Viral Pathogenesis course for graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan. His research interests include molecular characterization of non-human adenoviruses (porcine and bovine), development of vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and investigating the role of signaling pathways in viral replication. Notable contributions include work on recombinant adenovirus vectors for measles and SARS vaccines, as well as mucosal immunity studies in calves against bovine herpesvirus-1. Dr. Zakhartchouk’s publications reflect advancements in vaccine design, viral pathogenesis, and molecular mechanisms of viral replication. His work bridges fundamental virology with applied veterinary and human health applications.
Roger Santer is a Lecturer in Zoology at the Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, within the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). He holds a BSc in Zoology (Newcastle University, 1999) and a PhD in Invertebrate Neuroethology (Newcastle University, 2003). Prior to joining IBERS in 2010, he held postdoctoral positions at Newcastle University (2003–2006) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2006–2008), followed by a lectureship in Biology at the University of Limerick (2008–2010). His research focuses on animal behavior and the neural mechanisms underlying it, particularly visually-guided behavior in insects and arachnids. Techniques include electrophysiology, behavioral studies, and computational modeling. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystems. He led the project Conservation of butterflies under natural and modified illumination conditions (2017–2020), funded by the Welsh European Funding Office. Media coverage highlights his research on insect visual perception, including why biting flies are attracted to blue objects and the role of UV lighting in butterfly behavior. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and international partners, with datasets and open-access publications emphasizing pest control strategies and arthropod sensory biology.
Dr. Yanli Li is a researcher at the Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Australian National University. Her work focuses on viral immunology, vaccine development, and infectious disease dynamics in both human and veterinary contexts. She specializes in studying host-pathogen interactions, particularly with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and other pathogens. Research Themes: Innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections Antigen discovery for vaccine design (e.g., CPAF, OmcB) PRRSV transmission dynamics and control in swine populations CD4+/CD8+ T-cell biology in persistent infections Impact of maternal immunity on viral vertical transmission Recent work emphasizes the failure of viral-vectored vaccines to enhance protection against Chlamydia muridarum, the role of systemic CD4 T-cells in preventing PRRSV transplacental infection, and the evolutionary pressures driving PRRSV variant selection in farm settings. Her studies often integrate computational models (e.g., attention-aware differential learning for peptide-MHC prediction) with experimental immunology. Dr. Li is registered to supervise research students and has published extensively on swine immune responses, viral antigenicity, and vaccine efficacy under real-world conditions. Her work bridges basic immunology with translational applications in veterinary medicine.
Dr. A Francis is a University Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, part of the School of Arts & Humanities. Their work focuses on theological studies and religious history, with contributions to academic discussions in comparative religion and biblical analysis. Dr. Francis holds a position within the Divinity Faculty, contributing to teaching and research in theological disciplines. Research interests include the study of religious texts, historical theology, and interfaith dialogue. Their scholarly contributions emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to religious studies, integrating historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives. Publications span theological analysis and religious ethics, though the listed articles suggest an additional focus on biological research (possibly attributed to a different individual with the same name, given the mismatch with Divinity Faculty context). These include studies on host-parasite interactions, Wolbachia symbiosis, and evolutionary immunology in Drosophila models. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Students and advising roles are not listed. The faculty affiliation implies involvement in undergraduate and graduate teaching programs related to Divinity studies.
Dr. Scott E. Lindner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on molecular parasitology and structural biology, particularly studying the malaria parasite Plasmodium to uncover vulnerabilities in its lifecycle. He holds a BS in Molecular Biology from Florida Institute of Technology (2001), a PhD in Cancer Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006), and an MBA in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Penn State (2024). Lindner leads the Lindner Laboratory, which investigates translational control during malaria transmission and parasite cell division. He co-directs the Huck Center for Malaria Research, chairs sessions at major conferences, and serves on advisory boards for the Schreyer Honors College and the Biotechnology Curriculum Committee. His research interests span cell biology, microbiology, structural biology, and infectious diseases, with a focus on RNA biology, gene regulation, and proteomics. Lindner’s lab employs cutting-edge techniques like proteomics and ultrastructure-expansion microscopy to study parasite development and transmission. His work has led to breakthroughs in understanding translational repression mechanisms and specialized ribosomes in Plasmodium . Key awards include the FASTMH fellowship, the Huck Leadership Fellowship, and multiple teaching accolades. Lindner’s contributions extend to vaccine development, as seen in his work on SARS-CoV-2 nanoparticle vaccines. He has trained numerous graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative environment with affiliations to the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Center for RNA Molecular Biology.
Fatima Naim is a Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS), affiliated with the External Collaborative Research Centre Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM). She holds a PhD in plant metabolic engineering and has over a decade of experience in agricultural research. Her work focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, gene editing technologies, and metabolic engineering in crops like wheat, banana, and Nicotiana benthamiana. Dr. Naim's research integrates advanced imaging techniques (synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) with molecular biology approaches to study nutrient competition between plants and pathogens, CRISPR/Cas9 applications in crop improvement, and lipid pathway engineering. She has pioneered methods for enhancing transgene longevity and optimizing ChIP protocols in allotetraploid plants. Her publication record spans plant physiology, biotechnology, and pathology, with recent emphasis on wheat disease response mechanisms and the development of multi-omic resources for Nicotiana benthamiana. Naim's CCDM role involves dissecting early infection dynamics and post-disease recovery in crops, contributing to sustainable agricultural solutions.
Dr. Alejandra Perotti is a prominent researcher in forensic acarology and parasitology, known for her extensive work on mites and lice in forensic and symbiotic contexts. She has published widely in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports , PLoS ONE , and Molecular Biology and Evolution , often in collaboration with H. R. Braig and M. I. Saloña-Bordas. Her research interests include: Forensic acarology and decomposition ecology Phoretic and parasitic mite behavior Endosymbionts in lice and mites (e.g., Wolbachia, Rickettsia) Human-associated arthropods in life and death Molecular and microbial analysis of forensic traces Her recent publications highlight trends in using mites as trace evidence in criminal investigations, genomic analysis of symbiotic relationships, and the role of arthropods in estimating postmortem intervals. She has contributed to major textbooks in forensic entomology, indicating recognition in the field. Scientific contributions and collaborations: Co-editor and contributor to Forensic Entomology (3rd ed.) Key role in sequencing the human body louse genome (2010) Longstanding collaboration with international teams across Europe and the Americas Dr. Perotti has advised or collaborated with numerous researchers, though formal students are not listed. She has not received any explicitly mentioned awards in the provided text. Her work often involves interdisciplinary teams and laboratory-based analysis of arthropod specimens.
