Robert A Blanchette is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, with research focusing on forest pathology, wood microbiology, and conservation of historic wood. His work spans tree defense mechanisms, biological control of pathogens, and fungal ecology in extreme environments. Education : PhD in Plant Pathology (Washington State University), MS in Forest Pathology (University of New Hampshire), BA in Biology/Botany (Merrimack College) Current research includes: Fungal interactions with invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer Antarctic and Arctic fungal biodiversity Archaeological wood conservation in Greenland Biological control of white-nose syndrome in bats Ganoderma species pathogenicity in forests Key projects are funded by the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, NSF, and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. Collaborations include the National Museum of Denmark and Center for Drug Design. Students and researchers in his group include Cristina Toapanta , Nick Rajtar , Sofia Simeto , Liam Genter , Davy DeKrey , Eric Otto , and Nazaret Ramirez .
Yue Jin is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota and a USDA-ARS Research Plant Pathologist at the Cereal Disease Lab. His work focuses on cereal rust fungi biology, population genetics, and host resistance in wheat and barley. He leads nationwide surveys of stem rust pathogens and investigates genetic resistance mechanisms in crops. PhD in Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University (1990) MS in Applied Statistics and Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University (1990, 1988) BS in Plant Protection, Inner-Mongolia College of Agriculture (1982) Yue Jin’s research spans invasive species like Puccinia coronata and virulence dynamics in Puccinia hordei , contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 15 (Life on Land). Recent projects include global initiatives like Accelerating Genetic Gains in Maize and Wheat (2020–2024) and Identifying Resistance to Ug99 in Wheat and Barley (2008–2011). His 15 most recent publications (2023–2024) highlight trends in crown rust detection, invasive species, and virulence evolution in barley leaf rust. Collaborators include institutions like CIMMYT, USDA-ARS, and international researchers. Yue Jin contributes to datasets on wheat stem rust genomics and is affiliated with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center. His work addresses challenges in crop resilience and pathogen monitoring through peer-reviewed articles and field surveys.
Catherine Bachewich is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Concordia University. Her research focuses on the regulation of the cell cycle, development, and virulence in fungi, particularly Candida albicans and Aspergillus nidulans. She investigates how cell cycle signals coordinate with differentiation and polar morphogenesis, aiming to identify novel drug targets for pathogen control. Her research programs include: Studying cell cycle control in Candida albicans, emphasizing the G1/S transition, mitosis, and hyphal development. Exploring the role of the polo-like kinase PLKA in mitotic regulation and sexual development in Aspergillus nidulans, revealing its evolutionary distinctness and novel functions. Bachewich's work has uncovered unique regulatory mechanisms in fungal pathogens, contributing to understanding their pathogenicity and potential therapeutic strategies. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches in fungal genetics, cell cycle signaling, and morphogenesis.
Danielle Dube is the Norma L. and Roland G. Ware, Jr. Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Chair of the Chemistry Department at Bowdoin College. A chemical biologist by training, she received her PhD from UC Berkeley and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University. Her research focuses on bacterial surface glycans linked to pathogenesis, particularly in Helicobacter pylori , where she develops chemical tools to study and disrupt glycan-mediated interactions. Education : Cornell University (AB in Biology), UC Berkeley (PhD in Chemistry), Stanford University (Postdoctoral) Teaching : Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, General Chemistry, Drug Discovery courses Research Highlights : Structural characterization of H. pylori glycans Development of metabolic inhibitors for glycan biosynthesis Creation of imaging probes for bacterial glycocalyx Immune recognition enhancement through glycan modification Antibiotic hypersensitization via glycan disruption Scientific Recognition : 2022: Recognized in Nobel Prize awarded research by Prof. Carolyn Bertozzi 2018: Recipient of external grant for women scientists 2014: Collaborator on $18.4M INBRE grant Lab & Collaborations : Leads the Dube Research Laboratory at Bowdoin, specializing in chemical approaches to bacterial glycobiology. Collaborates with biochemistry and microbiology teams on antibiotic resistance solutions.
Maria Rosaria Capobianchi is a distinguished professor of Molecular Biology at Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (Unicamillus) in Rome, where she contributes to the Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery. She has held key leadership roles at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani," including Director of the Virology Laboratory and Director of the Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research, and Advanced Diagnostics. She is actively involved in the WHO Collaborating Center for Highly Infectious Diseases and collaborates with WHO, ECDC, and the Italian Ministry of Health. Her research focuses on virology, molecular biology, emerging infections, antiviral defense mechanisms, and innovative diagnostic methods . She has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects funded by European, US, and regional bodies. Her work spans pathogenesis, viral evolution, host immune responses, and public health preparedness. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, including viral variants, vaccine effectiveness, immune response dynamics, genomic surveillance, and diagnostic innovation. Her work integrates molecular virology with clinical and epidemiological insights, contributing significantly to pandemic response and preparedness. Her scientific honors include: Knight of Merit of the Republic Inclusion in the "Top Italian Scientists" list by Via-Academy She has mentored numerous researchers and students through her leadership in research projects and academic roles, though specific advisees are not listed. She has been a consultant to the National Transplant Center on viral infections in transplantation and has contributed to public health policy and training initiatives. Her work continues to influence clinical virology, infectious disease management, and global health security. She is affiliated with: Laboratory of Virology, INMI "L. Spallanzani" Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, INMI WHO Collaborating Center for Clinical Care, Diagnosis, Response, and Training on Highly Infectious Diseases
Ross Waller is a researcher at the Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge, focusing on the molecular evolution and cell biology of protists, particularly within the Alveolata infrakingdom. His work spans apicomplexan parasites (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma), dinoflagellate symbionts, and ciliates, investigating their subcellular organization, endosymbiotic partnerships, and genomic adaptations. His research provides critical insights into eukaryotic evolution and parasitism. Key research areas include: Adaptations in apicomplexan parasites for host exploitation Molecular processes of endosymbiont establishment Chromatin management in dinoflagellates without histones Cell biological innovations in coral-associated dinoflagellates Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding plastid evolution, secretory organelle dynamics, and metabolic adaptations across parasitic and symbiotic protists. The Waller Group is actively recruiting interns and researchers interested in experimental cell biology of marine protists.
Dr. Gian Maria Niccolo’ Benucci is a Data Analyst and Bioinformatician at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU). He holds a Ph.D. in Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Perugia, Italy, with expertise in microbial ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and mycology. His research focuses on holobiont dynamics, microbial community responses to environmental changes, and microbiome manipulation to enhance host health. He has published over 55 peer-reviewed articles and collaborates with 160+ researchers globally. Dr. Benucci's work integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and machine learning to study microbiome structure and function across ecosystems. He co-leads GLBRC's bioinformatics support hours and is involved in the National Microbiome Data Collaborative. His teaching includes courses like Statistics for Biologists (STT464) and modules in Advanced Mycology . Key research areas: Mycorrhizal symbioses, truffle microbiome dynamics, and sustainable agriculture practices. His contributions span from fungal systematics (e.g., Tuber rugosum discovery) to bioenergy crop optimization.
María Ángeles Ayllón is an Associate Professor at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), leading the Virus-Fungus-Plant Interaction group. Her research focuses on understanding mycovirus-fungal host interactions and their application in biocontrol. She collaborates with the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) on viral family classifications, such as Botourmiaviridae and Hypoviridae . Her work addresses fungal pathogen control via viral agents to reduce pesticide use, aligning with EU’s Green Deal goals. Ayllón oversees a multidisciplinary team including PhD students and postdocs, such as Javier Pardo Medina and Julio L. Rodríguez-Romero. Her research spans three main areas: mycovirus diversity and evolution, molecular mechanisms of viral-fungal interactions, and development of synthetic mycoviruses as biocontrol tools. Key projects include analyzing the mycovirome of Botrytis cinerea isolates and constructing infectious viral clones for reverse genetics. She has secured grants like Molecular Mechanisms in Botrytis-Plant Interaction (PID2020-120106RB-I00) and the H2020-funded ViroPlant initiative, fostering international collaboration. Ayllón’s team explores novel mycoviruses and their impact on fungal virulence, aiming to develop eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. Her contributions include discovering new viral families and elucidating RNA silencing pathways in fungi. Ongoing efforts focus on synthetic biology approaches to enhance mycovirus efficacy in agricultural settings.
Dr. Maria Boftsi is a molecular biologist specializing in virology and infectious diseases. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Aristotle University (Thessaloniki, Greece) and a Ph.D. in Pathobiology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Currently a faculty member at Stephens College, she combines teaching with research on viral-host interactions. Educational Background B.S. in Biology, Aristotle University Ph.D. in Pathobiology, University of Missouri-Columbia Research Interests: Dr. Boftsi investigates how viruses like parvoviruses, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 manipulate host cellular mechanisms, particularly DNA damage responses. Her work employs techniques such as V3C and ChIP-seq. Teaching Experience: She has taught undergraduate courses including Clinical Microbiology , Principles of Cell Biology , and Human Biology at Columbia College, emphasizing accessibility for non-majors.
Dr. Jan Gogarten is a researcher at the University of Greifswald within the Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation department. Their work focuses on primate-associated organism communities, including bacterial microbiomes, eukaryotic parasites, and pathogen-carrying flies, investigating how these communities shape primate health and conservation. Key collaborations with Helmholtz Institute for One Health , Robert Koch Institute , and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Research spans zoonotic pathogen detection , molecular method development for genomic data generation, and climate change impacts on primate populations . Methodologies include longitudinal studies in Taï National Park and Kibale National Park, fly-derived DNA for biodiversity monitoring, and comparative datasets on sociality costs/benefits.
Ayşe ÇANDAR serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture at Ahi Evran University, Turkey. She holds a PhD in Phytopathology from Ege University, which she completed in 2020. Her academic career includes multiple teaching and research positions at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, where she currently teaches undergraduate courses in Plant Protection, Plant Bacteriology, Plant Virus and Viroid Diseases, and General Microbiology. Dr. ÇANDAR earned her BSc (2011), MSc (2014), and PhD (2020) in Plant Protection from Ege University, with her doctoral research focusing on race determination and characterization of Potato Virus Y (PVY) in Solanaceae family crops. Her foreign language proficiency includes English (YÖKDİL 58, 2021; ÜDS 65, 2011). Her research specializes in phytopathology and virology, particularly examining viral and viroid diseases in agricultural crops. She investigates molecular detection methods, seed-borne pathogens, and disease management strategies. Recent work explores the application of chitosan in mitigating salt stress effects on seed germination and the impact of artificial lighting on plant diseases. Her research connects plant pathology with sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on biocontrol methods and greenhouse cultivation systems. Analysis of her publication trends shows increasing scholarly output since 2020, with a concentration on practical applications of plant pathology research. Her work spans molecular diagnostics of plant pathogens, seed pathology, greenhouse disease management, and sustainable agricultural approaches. She frequently collaborates with researchers from Ege University and other Turkish institutions, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary connections within the agricultural sciences community. Dr. ÇANDAR actively contributes to academic service through editorial roles for journals including Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology, Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, and several university publications. She serves on quality assurance committees at Ahi Evran University, including as a Quality Coordinator for the Geothermal Advanced Greenhouse Technologies and Production Techniques Application and Research Center. She has participated in numerous research projects, including studies on virus diseases in vegetables grown in Kırşehir, development of tomato rootstock lines resistant to soil-borne diseases using MAS techniques, and the Geothermal Cluster Project in Greenhouses. Her laboratory work focuses on molecular diagnostics of plant pathogens, particularly viroids and viruses affecting grapevines, potatoes, and vegetable crops.
Marcelo B. Sztein, MD is a tenured Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). Since 1989 he has been a key leader within the Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) , serving as Chief of the Cellular Immunology and Flow Cytometry Section, founder of the CVD Immunology Group, and—since 2010— Associate Director for Immunologic Research . He holds secondary appointments in the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology and directs the CVD Flow & Mass Cytometry Core that supports campus-wide cutting-edge single-cell analysis. Education & Training High School #4, Nicolás Avellaneda, Argentina — B.S., Biology, 1970 University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine — M.D., 1976 National Research Council, Argentina — Fellow, Immunology, 1976–1979 National Institutes of Health — Visiting Fellow, 1979–1982 George Washington University Medical Center — Research Fellow, Cancer Research Laboratories, 1982–1983 Research Focus Dr. Sztein is an internationally recognized authority on the immunology of infectious diseases , with emphasis on mucosal and systemic immunity elicited by vaccines. His work deciphers human host responses to Salmonella Typhi/Paratyphi, Shigella , ETEC, Plasmodium falciparum , dengue virus, Ebola virus, H. pylori , and influenza. Using controlled human infection models, non-human primates, and novel organotypic intestinal models, his laboratory identifies correlates of protection, dissects multifunctional T-cell subsets (CD4⁺, CD8⁺, MAIT, regulatory T cells), and explores how the gut microbiome modulates vaccine-induced immunity. Current projects under the NIH-funded Cooperative Center for Human Immunology (CCHI) integrate multi-omics , single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) , and high-dimensional flow cytometry to accelerate rational vaccine design. Recent Publication Trends Between 2014 and 2016 Dr. Sztein’s group published >25 high-impact papers that collectively advance three major themes: (1) elucidating multifunctional T- and B-cell signatures associated with protection following typhoid and Shigella vaccination; (2) applying controlled human infection models to rigorously benchmark new vaccines; and (3) pioneering 3-D organotypic intestinal cultures and mass cytometry panels to study mucosal responses at single-cell resolution. These studies are shaping the next generation of enteric vaccines for global health. Grants & Funding Leadership Principal Investigator, NIH U19-AI082655 “Mucosal and Systemic Immunity, Vaccines and Microbiota Interplay in Humans” (2014–2019) Principal Investigator, NIH R01-AI036525 “Immune Mechanisms of Protection in S. Typhi Vaccines” (2013–2018) PI Research Project 1, NIH U19-AI109776 “Immunoprophylactic Strategies to Control Emerging Enteric Infections” (2014–2019) PI of Immunology Core, NIH U19-AI110820 “Host, Pathogen, and the Microbiome” (2014–2019) Senior Immunologist, VTEU Contract HHSN2722013000221 (2013–2023) Laboratory PI, HHSN27200012 & HHSN27200010 cytokine/immune-phenotyping service contracts Co-Director of Immunology, T32-AI07524 Training Grant (2013–2018) Laboratory & Core Facilities Dr. Sztein directs the CVD Flow and Mass Cytometry Core , housing state-of-the-art BD LSR-II, Beckman-Coulter Astrios EQ cell sorter, Fluidigm CyTOF 1, and CyTOF Helios instruments. The core supports up to 19-parameter cell sorting and 35-plus-parameter mass cytometry, enabling investigators across UMSOM and collaborating institutions to perform advanced single-cell multi-omics studies under BSL-2/3 containment.
Alfredo Vizzini is an Associate Professor at the University of Turin , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology . His work spans systematic botany, fungal taxonomy, and molecular phylogenetics, with a focus on Agaricales and Boletaceae families. He teaches courses such as Systematic Botany and Mycology , contributing to both academic and applied research. Research Interests : Vizzini specializes in fungal biodiversity, particularly ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic species. His studies integrate morphological and molecular data (e.g., ITS-LSU sequences) to resolve phylogenetic relationships and describe novel taxa. Key areas include Basidiomycota systematics, adaptation to extreme environments, and invasive fungal species' impact on native ecosystems. Article Trends : His publications (2008–2017) emphasize fungal taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ecological interactions. Notable themes include the discovery of Alpova komoviana , revisions in Leucopaxillus , and investigations into mycobiomes using 454 pyrosequencing. Collaborative projects like DEFINE and CAVELAB highlight his interdisciplinary approach. Labs and Teams : Vizzini collaborates on projects such as DEFINE (exotic pathogens), CAVELAB (cave ecosystems), and DISCOVERING MARINE MYCOBIOTA (marine fungi), working with international teams in Europe and beyond. His lab focuses on fungal interactions in forests, seagrass, and extreme environments.
Gilberto E Flores serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), teaching advanced courses including Microbial Ecology (BIOL 419), its laboratory component, Field Studies in Microbial Ecology (BIOL 492C), and Biology Colloquium (BIOL 692). His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. from Portland State University (2011), M.S. from University of Idaho (2006), and B.S. from Humboldt State University (2001). Dr. Flores' research spans microbial ecology with dual emphases on human-associated and environmental systems. His laboratory investigates Akkermansia-milk oligosaccharide interactions in infant gut microbiomes while simultaneously examining agricultural microbiomes on tree fruits. This interdisciplinary approach bridges medical microbiology and food safety research through genomic, metabolic, and ecological methodologies. His work reveals how microbial communities respond to environmental variables including diet, disease, harvest timing, and seasonal changes. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate three converging research trajectories: 1) Gut microbiome dynamics in health and disease (particularly Akkermansia physiology and infant microbiome development), 2) Agricultural microbiome shifts across harvest cycles, and 3) STEM education innovation during pandemic disruptions. This triad reflects his commitment to both fundamental microbial ecology and practical applications in human health and food systems. Through the BUILD PODER program, Dr. Flores actively mentors undergraduates in research methodology and science identity development. His tutorial studies (BIOL 490) provide individualized research training while colloquium participation exposes students to cutting-edge scientific discourse. This mentoring philosophy emphasizes critical mentorship as foundational for building scientific self-efficacy among underrepresented students. Dr. Flores operates within CSUN's BUILD PODER initiative, which provides infrastructure for undergraduate research experiences. His laboratory work combines microbial culturing, genomic analysis, and ecological modeling to investigate host-microbe-environment interactions across diverse systems from human guts to fruit surfaces.
Julia Kam serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Macquarie University with dual affiliations in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences and the Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre. Holding a Doctor of Philosophy, she maintains an active research profile evidenced by an h-index of 43 and significant citation impact. Her research integrates neuroscience and infectious disease disciplines through two primary pathways: neurodegenerative mechanisms involving Ataxin-3 protein aggregation in Machado-Joseph disease, and host immune responses to Mycobacterium abscessus infections. She employs translational models including mouse systems for neurodegeneration studies and zebrafish for infection dynamics, with particular focus on gut-brain axis interactions and granulomatous inflammation. Publication trends reveal growing interdisciplinary convergence between neurogastroenterology and infection immunology, demonstrating methodological innovation through cross-model validation. Her 2022 Nature Communications paper on bacterial variant control received notable scientific attention with 43 Scopus citations and media coverage. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. Administrative leadership in research strategy forms her primary professional focus, with no student advising or grant management details provided. She directs research initiatives through the Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre and Deputy Vice-Chancellor's Office, coordinating collaborative networks spanning neurodegeneration and infectious disease modeling with demonstrated external engagement through Scopus metrics and media pickup.
