Carl Rothfels is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Utah State University. Formerly a Faculty Curator at UC Berkeley (2015–2022), he earned his PhD in Biology from Duke University (2012) and a BA in Biology from McMaster University (2001). His research focuses on evolutionary biology using phylogenetic tools to study plant diversification, particularly in seed-free vascular plants like ferns and lycophytes. Education : PhD (Duke University), BA (McMaster University) Rothfels investigates polyploidy's evolutionary impacts, leveraging novel phylogenetic methods to resolve debates about diversification rates in polyploid lineages. His work spans molecular divergence, morphological change, and biogeography, with NSF CAREER grant 2144011 supporting field initiatives like the Intermountain Botany Foray. Selected publications highlight his expertise in Bayesian diversification modeling and comparative evolutionary analysis. Scientific awards include the Carol D. Soc Mentoring Award, reflecting his commitment to graduate student development. Students : Chinedum Anajemba, Julia Hobbie The Rothfels Lab (part of the Intermountain Herbarium) combines fieldwork, genomic data analysis, and collaborative projects like the California Conservation Genomics Project. Lab members engage in fern systematics, Azolla genome studies, and phylogenetic method development.
James J Nagler is a Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Science at the University of Idaho, where he directs the Center for Research on Invasive Species and serves as Affiliate Faculty at the Aquaculture Research Institute. His research integrates endocrinology, genetics, and ecology to address critical questions in fish reproduction and invasive species management. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1991). Ph.D., Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1991 Nagler's research focuses on reproductive biology of salmonids, particularly examining how photoperiod, diet, contaminants, and energy balance regulate maturation, spawning behavior, and rematuration. His work has established key biomarkers for reproductive status and elucidated endocrine pathways involving growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and sex steroids. He investigates both wild populations and aquaculture systems, with significant contributions to understanding iteroparity in steelhead trout and precocious maturation in Chinook salmon. Analysis of his recent publications (2017-2025) reveals consistent emphasis on repeat spawning physiology in steelhead, energy allocation trade-offs, genomic approaches to maturation traits, and environmental manipulations for aquaculture management. His work bridges fundamental endocrine mechanisms with applied conservation challenges, particularly regarding invasive species impacts on aquatic ecosystems. As Director of the Center for Research on Invasive Species, Nagler leads interdisciplinary efforts to understand and mitigate invasive species threats, while his affiliation with the Aquaculture Research Institute connects his research to sustainable fish production practices.
Jennifer Lachowiec serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology at Montana State University's College of Agriculture. Her research program focuses on understanding genetic robustness in plants through interdisciplinary approaches spanning quantitative genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. She teaches foundational courses in biometry and research design while leading a technology-driven laboratory that utilizes unoccupied aerial systems for large-scale phenotyping. Educational background: Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington (2014) B.S. in Genetics and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2008) Her research centers on predicting phenotypes from genetic sequences with emphasis on plant robustness—the capacity to maintain phenotypes despite genetic mutations and environmental fluctuations. The Lachowiec Lab integrates quantitative genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary approaches to study gene regulatory networks and genetic interactions. A key innovation involves deploying UAVs and automated imaging systems to quantify robustness across plant populations, enabling high-throughput analysis of crop resiliency traits. This work bridges fundamental genetic mechanisms with practical agricultural applications for developing climate-resilient crops. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal consistent focus on UAV-based phenotyping, polyploid genomics, and crop stress adaptation. Key trends include development of robust phenomic databases, genetic dissection of barley malting traits, herbicide resistance mechanisms in aquatic weeds, and metabolic responses to environmental stress. The work demonstrates strong translational impact through USDA-funded projects addressing nitrogen-efficient camelina production and heat stress tolerance in cereal crops. Scientific recognition includes: Nominated for USDA Teaching Award (2023) Phi Kappa Phi Anna K. Fridley Award (2023) College of Agriculture Teaching Award of Merit (2023) Transformative Teaching Award (2022) Open Education Resources Adoption Award (2021) Research is supported by multiple USDA NIFA and DOE grants including 'Enhancing Camelina Oilseed Production with Minimum Nitrogen Fertilization,' 'Uncovering developmental mechanisms to sustain grain number during heat stress,' and 'Genetic controls for crop microbiome recruitment.' Dr. Lachowiec serves on the North American Plant Phenotyping Network DEI Committee and has organized outreach events including MSU Family Science Day. Her laboratory, located in the Plant Bioscience Building on traditional Amskapii Pikani, Apsaalooke, Tsétsêhéstâhese, and Seliš lands, maintains specialized facilities for UAV-based phenotyping and growth room imaging systems to advance plant robustness research.
Karin Dorman is a Professor in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Iowa State University, where she conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computational methods and biological systems. Her work bridges bioinformatics algorithm development with investigations into immune signaling pathways and stem cell biology. Her educational background includes: PhD in 2001 from the University of California, Los Angeles B.S. in 1994 from Indiana University, Bloomington Dr. Dorman's research focuses on bioinformatics, computational biology, and molecular genetics, with significant contributions to genomic analysis methods and immunological mechanisms. She develops computational tools like MULTICLUST for population genetics and CAPG for polyploid genotyping, while investigating NOD1-dependent NF-kB signaling in hematopoietic stem cell specification. Her work on antimicrobial resistance prediction models bridges veterinary and human health through One Health frameworks. Analysis of her 2022-2025 publications reveals dual methodological and biological emphases: (1) innovative bioinformatics tools for genotyping, epigenomics, and microbiome analysis; (2) mechanistic insights into inflammatory signaling dynamics in stem cell development. This integration of computational and experimental approaches characterizes her interdisciplinary research program. No scientific awards are documented in the provided information. While specific advisees aren't listed in available materials, Dr. Dorman contributes to graduate education through Iowa State's Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program. Her collaborative work with researchers like Ambuj Kumar and Robert Jernigan demonstrates active engagement in interdisciplinary teams focused on protein interactions and genomic analysis.
Zhangjun Fei is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, and a faculty member at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI). His research spans Developing computational tools for omics data analysis Creating genomic databases for crop improvement Applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) to understand crop evolution Inferring gene regulatory networks Research interests include: Genomics and systems biology of economically important crops (tomato, cucurbits, sweetpotato, fruit trees) Integration of genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome datasets Development of bioinformatics resources like Plant MetGenMAP, iAssembler, iTAK, and VirusDetect Exploration of gene regulatory networks via multi-omics data fusion Recent publications highlight trends in Super-pangenome analysis for structural variation Gene discovery in stress tolerance and domestication Molecular mechanisms of fruit quality and disease resistance Evolutionary insights across cucurbit and fruit crops Labs and teams include the Fei Lab at BTI , which has led initiatives like: Pan-African Sweet Potato Virome and Chinese Tomato Virome projects Collaborations with USDA, Meiogenix, and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Training programs through BTI Summer Internships and Cornell graduate fields
Matthew B Hufford is a Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at Iowa State University. He joined the faculty in 2013 as an Assistant Professor and currently holds the Cassling Family Professorship. His research focuses on the evolution and ecology of crops, particularly maize and its wild relatives, including teosintes. Key areas include demography of maize landraces, gene flow dynamics in Zea genus, and comparative genomics of grass species. Education: B.S. in Biology from Wheaton College (1999), M.S. in International Agricultural Development and Ph.D. in Ecology, both from UC Davis (2010). Research interests span genomic diversity in maize, adaptation to environmental conditions, and the role of transposable elements in genome evolution. His lab investigates genomic resources like pan-genomes and assembly tools (e.g., Gapless assemblies using long-read technologies). Recent trends in publications highlight advancements in genomic tools, climate adaptation, and comparative analyses across grass species. Labs/Teams: The Hufford Lab at Iowa State University focuses on evolutionary genomics, leveraging genomic data to understand crop domestication and adaptation. Collaborations involve bioinformatics, genetics, and ecological studies.
Dylan Phillips is a Lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University, affiliated with the Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences (IBERS). With over 10 years of teaching experience, he coordinates the Genetics degree programs (C400 & C401) and supervises PhD students. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the Institute of Biomedical Science, and serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Genome .
Dr. Adrian Brennan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Durham, UK. He holds key roles as the Academic Lead of the Durham Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (since 2024), Academic Director of Durham Botanic Garden (since 2022), and Deputy International Exchange Coordinator (since 2023). His research focuses on genomic basis of adaptive trait variation, speciation, hybridization, and domestication in plants. He leads studies on Linum (flax), Haeterina damselflies, and invasive species like Centaurea solstitialis. Brennan teaches Evolution, Genomics, and Research Skills at undergraduate and graduate levels. He collaborates globally and serves as an associate editor for journals including Frontiers in Plant Science and Molecular Ecology . His educational background includes a DPhil (PhD) in Plant Sciences from the University of Oxford (2003) and a BA in Biological Sciences from the same university (1999). He has held postdoctoral roles at institutions like the University of Bristol and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh before joining Durham in 2013. Brennan's research integrates genomic approaches with field and controlled experiments to study genetic architecture of traits like breeding systems, local adaptation, and domestication. His work emphasizes crop wild relatives and their genetic resources for agriculture. He actively supervises PhD students in topics like flax genomic resources and wildflower seed mixes.
Helen J. Wearing is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of New Mexico. She specializes in mathematical biology, focusing on disease ecology and theoretical frameworks to understand host-parasite interactions. Her research integrates mathematical and statistical methods with empirical data to address questions in population dynamics and public health. Dr. Wearing holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Heriot-Watt University (2002). Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in virology and public health, to bridge theoretical insights with real-world applications. Key research areas include modeling dengue, schistosomiasis, and hantavirus transmission, with a focus on vector competence, climate impacts, and control strategies. Her publications span topics like mosquito biting behavior, schistosomiasis snail dynamics, and the role of non-model biorepositories in emerging pathogens. These studies highlight the importance of age-structured models and environmental stochasticity in disease systems. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, her contributions reflect significant academic impact in epidemiological modeling. Her advising and grants focus on training students in mathematical approaches to ecology and epidemiology, though specific grant details are not provided. Dr. Wearing’s lab operates at the interface of mathematics, ecology, and epidemiology, emphasizing practical solutions for public health challenges through rigorous quantitative methods.
Scott A. Jackson is the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Synthetic Biology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Department of Crop & Soil Sciences. He holds adjunct professor roles in the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics. His research focuses on genomic tools for crop improvement, particularly in legumes like peanut and soybean, with emphasis on genome structure-function relationships and synthetic biology applications. Education and career highlights include his tenure as GRA Eminent Scholar in Plant Functional Genomics (2011–2019) and leadership roles in the Plant Center and Center for Applied Genetic Technologies. After industry experience with Bayer Crop Science, he returned to UGA to establish genomic-driven crop improvement programs. He is an Associate Editor of The Plant Journal and Molecular Plant . Research interests span genome evolution, crop domestication, and translating genomic insights into agricultural practices. His work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing sustainable crop productivity and global food security. Awards include the NSF Young Investigator Award (2002) and AAAS Fellowship. Key initiatives include developing genomic resources for legumes, leveraging synthetic biology for crop innovation, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. His lab focuses on disease resistance, genomic assembly, and applying advanced modeling to agricultural systems. Awards: NSF Young Investigator Award, AAAS Fellow Labs/Teams: Center for Applied Genetic Technologies (CAGT), Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG) Grants/Funding: GRA Eminent Scholar Program, industry partnerships
Professor Ian Bancroft is the CNAP Chair of Plant Genomics at the University of York's Department of Biology. Previously, he held a faculty position at the John Innes Centre (1989–2013), where his research focused on Arabidopsis and Brassica genomics. His current work investigates genome evolution and trait control in polyploid plants like Brassica napus (oilseed rape), leveraging comparative genomics and transcriptomics. Key projects include improving seed oil quality, developing Associative Transcriptomics technologies, and enhancing crop resilience to environmental stresses through genomic approaches. Education: PhD in Cyanobacteria/Cyanophage Research from Lancaster University (1986), followed by postdoctoral work at Michigan State University. Research interests span plant genome evolution, polyploid speciation, and translational crop improvement. Research activities include over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 12 funded projects, such as the BBSRC RIPR Programme (2014–2019) and initiatives to develop low-progoitrin rapeseed varieties. He leads a multidisciplinary team including Research Fellows (e.g., Dr. Zhesi He, Dr. Lenka Havlickova) and collaborates with industry partners to translate genomic insights into practical agricultural solutions. Awards include Finalist in the BBSRC Innovator of the Year 2015 competition. His lab focuses on delivering impact through genomics-driven solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture.
Alan Schulman is a Research Professor and Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki. He serves as a supervisor in three doctoral programs: Integrative Life Science, Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources, and Plant Sciences. His work is centered at the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS), where he leads significant research initiatives in plant genomics and biotechnology. Dr. Schulman earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Yale University (1979-1986) and his B.Sc. in Botany from Duke University (1975-1979). He also holds a position as Professor at the Natural Resources Institute Finland, Green Technology Unit VITE, since 2001. His research spans multiple areas of plant science with a focus on plant genomics, crop improvement, and the application of biotechnology in agriculture. Dr. Schulman's work addresses critical challenges in food security, plant disease resistance, and adaptation to climate change. His expertise encompasses plant genetics, molecular biology, and the regulatory aspects of genetically modified organisms. Recent research has particularly emphasized genomic approaches to improve crops like faba bean, barley, oat, and strawberry, with applications in disease resistance, nutritional quality, and environmental adaptation. Dr. Schulman's extensive publication record reflects his leadership in plant genomics and biotechnology. His recent work demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of genomic technologies, crop improvement, and regulatory science, with particular attention to how new genomic techniques can address agricultural challenges while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. His research bridges fundamental plant science with practical applications for sustainable agriculture. Knight, First Class, Order of the Lion of Finland (2010) Marquis Who's Who in the World (2010) Dr. Schulman actively mentors doctoral students across multiple programs and leads significant research projects funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Academy of Finland, and other sources. His current projects include Schulman MMM 2022-2026, ViPS: Viikki Plant Science Centre, NaPPI (National Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure), ProFaba (focusing on faba bean breeding), and Papugeno (genomic tools for faba bean improvement). These projects address critical challenges in sustainable protein production, crop resilience, and advanced genomic technologies for plant improvement. As a Principal Investigator in the Viikki Plant Science Centre, Dr. Schulman works within a collaborative research environment that brings together experts across plant sciences. His research group focuses on applying genomic technologies to solve practical problems in crop improvement, with particular expertise in molecular marker development, genome analysis, and the application of new breeding techniques.
Massimo Delledonne is a Full Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Verona. His research focuses on clinical genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and metagenomics. He teaches modules such as Genetics and Human Genomics across undergraduate and graduate programs, including Molecular and Medical Biotechnology and Medical Bioinformatics. Affiliations: Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Committees: Faculty Board of PhD in Biotechnology, Biotechnology Teaching Committee Spin-offs: EDIVITE s.r.l., Microbion S.r.l., Enerzyme s.r.l. (among others) His research interests include genome assembly, single nucleotide variant analysis, and applications of next-generation sequencing technologies. Projects span plant and human genomics, with a focus on crop improvement, disease diagnostics, and microbial interactions. Recent work includes studies on lupin diversity, common bean evolution, and grapevine genetics. Key projects include IBEARAD (Bioinformatics for Agricultural Resilience) and SYMPHONY (Phaseolus vulgaris genome analysis). He leads interdisciplinary efforts in genomic medicine, plant genomics, and environmental genomics.
David Gerard is an Associate Professor of Statistics at American University (2024–present) and previously served as an Assistant Professor there from 2018 to 2024. He holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Washington (2015), an MS in Statistics from The Ohio State University (2012), and dual BS degrees in Mathematics and Molecular Genetics from The Ohio State University (2010). His research focuses on statistical methods for polyploid genetics, including segregation distortion analysis, equilibrium testing, and Bayesian approaches for random mating. He has contributed to genotyping methods for polyploids and RNA-seq data analysis, with specific attention to addressing genotype uncertainty and batch effects. His work emphasizes reproducibility, linking code with data via Makefile-driven pipelines. Gerard has developed multiple R packages such as segtest , ldsep , and updog , and maintains an active GitHub presence.
Dr. Lingling Jin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on Bioinformatics, Genome Evolution, Comparative Genomics, Natural Computing, and Mathematical Genomics. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in Bioinformatics from the University of Saskatchewan (2017), preceded by an M.Sc. (2010) and B.Eng. (2006) in Computer Science from the same university and Beijing University of Technology, respectively. Dr. Jin’s work integrates computational methods with genomic data analysis, addressing challenges in plant genomics, structural variant detection, and evolutionary biology. Her research explores topics such as polyploid subgenome inference, anti-CRISPR activity modeling, and environmental stress response in organisms like mites and legumes. She also applies machine learning techniques to problems in agriculture, such as wheat kernel defect detection and phenotype prediction from genomic markers. Recent projects include developing tools like SV-JIM and SVPS for structural variant identification, sequencing the Camelina neglecta genome, and advancing self-supervised learning for video object segmentation and dense-pattern analysis. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges computational science with biological applications, contributing to both foundational and applied research in genomics. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. She currently advises no listed students, though her research likely involves graduate students and collaborators in bioinformatics and computational biology.
